Molecular studies of biological systems using Raman spectroscopy

Overview

Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive method for real-time studies of disease processes at the molecular level. Two studies were conducted; the first applying Raman’s detailed molecular-level tracking to tissue-engineering, and the second assessing novel anti-microbial treatments on bacteria (biomedical plasma-irradiation and antibiotics). The ambition is to combine cutting-edge biological research with the development of novel methods to produce rapid, in-house Raman analysis, and propel York to the forefront in novel applications of this unique, cutting-edge tool.

Research is ongoing and the expertise now exists to consider broader applications, for example, intercellular pathogens, cancer, IBD and diabetes. Links have been established with Paraná, Brazil, through Dr Hancock’s joint interdisciplinary research discussions with UTFPR (Parana Federal Technological University) and a successful PhD funding application with Dr Genever for a Science without Borders PhD studentship on 'Raman studies of biological matter' based in York. These connections have progressed to invitations to establish formal, joint collaborations in biological science between five Brazilian Santander universities in Paraná and The University of York.

In detail

Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive method for real-time studies of disease processes at the molecular level. Two studies were conducted; the first applying Raman’s detailed molecular-level tracking to tissue-engineering, and the second assessing novel anti-microbial treatments on bacteria (biomedical plasma-irradiation and antibiotics). The ambition is to combine cutting-edge biological research with the development of novel methods to produce rapid, in-house Raman analysis, and propel York to the forefront in novel applications of this unique, cutting-edge tool.

So far the project has resulted in the high quality Raman finger-printing of E-coli, macrophages and osteogenic stem cells. The technique has allowed specific molecular changes in the cell associated with the denaturation of heat-treated E-coli and macrophage cells to be pin-pointed. Raman markers have been identified which will provide molecular-scale information to accurately distinguish different osteogenic stem cell lines for the purposes of tissue engineering. The project has also provided evidence to support the use of graphene as a novel substrate to enhance the Raman signals of biological matter.

Research is ongoing and the expertise now exists to consider broader applications, for example, intercellular pathogens, cancer, IBD and diabetes. Links have been established with Paraná, Brazil, through Dr Hancock’s joint interdisciplinary research discussions with UTFPR (Parana Federal Technological University) and a successful PhD funding application with Dr Genever for a Science without Borders PhD studentship on 'Raman studies of biological matter' based in York. These connections have progressed to invitations to establish formal, joint collaborations in biological science between five Brazilian Santander universities in Paraná and The University of York.

Outputs

Grants

• Yvette Hancock, EPSRC, White Rose Doctoral Training Centre in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine PhD Studentship - 'The effect of strontium incorporation on gene expression in MSCs on glass-Ceramic scaffolds', £64,332
• Yvette Hancock, Science Without Borders, PhD studentship ‘Raman spectroscopy studies of multipotent stromal cell differentiation for bone engineering application’, £115,799.65
• Yvette Hancock, Science Without Borders, PhD studentship 'Raman spectroscopy studies of bio-archaeological materials', £115,799.65
• Yvette Hancock, EPSRC, Graphene interactions with biological matter, £14,000

Publications

• Colonese, A. C., Collins, M. J., Lucquin, A. J. A., Eustace, M., Hancock, Y., De Almeida Rocha Ponzoni, R., Smith, C., Mora, A., DeBalasis, A. P. D., Figuti, L., Wesolowski, V., Plens, C., Eggers, S., Farias, D., Gledhill, A. & Craig, O. E. 9 (2014). Long-term resilience of late Holocene coastal subsistence system in southeastern South America. PLOS ONE, 9,(4), e93854
• Warinner, C., Rodrigues, J. F. M., Vyas, R., Trachsel, C., Shved, N., Grossmann, J., Radini, A., Hancock, Y., Tito, R. Y., Fiddyment, S., Speller, C., Hendy, J., Charlton, S., Luder, H. U., Salazar-García, D. C., Eppler, E., Seiler, R., Hansen, L. H., Castruita, J. A. S., Barkow-Oesterreicher, S., Teoh, K. Y., Kelstrup, C. D., Olsen, J. V., Nanni, P., Kawai, T., Willerslev, E., von Mering, C., Lewis, C. M., Collins, M. J., Gilbert, M. T. P., Rühli, F. & Cappellini, E. (2014). Pathogens and host immunity in the ancient human oral cavity. Nature Genetics, 46(4):336-44. doi: 10.1038/ng.2906