Abstract

RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY: A BIOCHEMICAL FINGERPRINT

Dr. Asha M. L., *Dr. Reenu Jose, Dr. Basetty Neelakantam Rajarathnam, Dr. Mahesh Kumar H. M., Dr. Srilakshmi Jasti and Dr. Laboni Ghorai

Abstract

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancer. Its control and management is very important. Early detection is the most efficient way to reduce high mortality and minimize morbidity. Current practice for differentiating tissue lesions are based on histo pathological criteria. This process is subject to error. Over last several years significant advancement has been successfully carried out with Raman spectroscopy imaging. It can provide molecular and chemical information of the tissue of interest, which makes it a competitive contender in the molecular imaging arena. Raman spectroscopy has shown tremendous promise for the analysis of biological process within living cells, such as cell dynamics, cell differentiation and cell death. This helps physician to diagnose the disease in real time. Raman spectroscopy uses visible or near infra-red rays to measure a spectrum of vibrational bonds in seconds. This article reviews imaging technique and applications of Raman spectroscopy in dentistry.

Keywords: Raman Spectroscopy, Oral Cancer, Raman Imaging.