Capturing Clean Raman Spectra for Autofluorescent Biological Samples

Raman spectroscopy provides an instantaneous analysis of biological samples for identification or quantitative measurement without any sample preparation. Recent technological advancements in sensors, spectrometers, and lasers have moved Raman spectroscopy out of the specialist's lab into new applications in the biological and medical spaces.

Raman spectra of biological samples, however, can be overwhelmed by the sample's autofluorescence. Various approaches have been devised to suppress this autofluorescence, creating opportunities in this emerging Raman application space.

Bingemann will introduce Raman spectroscopy and its uses, show some typical examples for applications in the biological and medical space, and highlight the effect of autofluorescence on Raman spectra of biological samples. He will discuss several methods which can reduce the fluorescence in the signal, namely, a longer laser excitation wavelength, the reduction of excitation and detection volume, and advanced post-processing methods - as well as combinations of all three.

Bingemann will present Raman spectra of cell cultures, beer samples, fermentation broth, and other biological samples with and without these fluorescence reduction approaches.

About the presenter
Dieter Bingemann, Ph.D., is a chemist and senior applications scientist at Wasatch Photonics, with over three decades of research and industry experience in spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, and applied photonics.

He earned his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Göttingen and leverages his deep scientific expertise to develop and support advanced optical solutions that empower researchers and industry professionals in fields ranging from biomedical imaging to materials analysis.