1
|
Galli R, Uckermann O. Vibrational spectroscopy and multiphoton microscopy for label-free visualization of nervous system degeneration and regeneration. Biophys Rev 2024; 16:219-235. [PMID: 38737209 PMCID: PMC11078905 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases, pose significant challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and understanding the underlying pathophysiological processes. Label-free multiphoton microscopy techniques, such as coherent Raman scattering, two-photon excited autofluorescence, and second and third harmonic generation microscopy, have emerged as powerful tools for visualizing nervous tissue with high resolution and without the need for exogenous labels. Coherent Raman scattering processes as well as third harmonic generation enable label-free visualization of myelin sheaths, while their combination with two-photon excited autofluorescence and second harmonic generation allows for a more comprehensive tissue visualization. They have shown promise in assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions and may have future applications in clinical diagnostics. In addition to multiphoton microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy methods such as infrared and Raman spectroscopy offer insights into the molecular signatures of injured nervous tissues and hold potential as diagnostic markers. This review summarizes the application of these label-free optical techniques in preclinical models and illustrates their potential in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders with a special focus on injury, degeneration, and regeneration. Furthermore, it addresses current advancements and challenges for bridging the gap between research findings and their practical applications in a clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Galli
- Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ortrud Uckermann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Banbury C, Harris G, Clancy M, Blanch RJ, Rickard JJS, Goldberg Oppenheimer P. Window into the mind: Advanced handheld spectroscopic eye-safe technology for point-of-care neurodiagnostic. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg5431. [PMID: 37967190 PMCID: PMC10651125 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg5431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is hard to diagnose at the point of care with patients often exhibiting no clinical symptoms. There is an urgent need for rapid point-of-care diagnostics to enable timely intervention. We have developed a technology for rapid acquisition of molecular fingerprints of TBI biochemistry to safely measure proxies for cerebral injury through the eye, providing a path toward noninvasive point-of-care neurodiagnostics using simultaneous Raman spectroscopy and fundus imaging of the neuroretina. Detection of endogenous neuromarkers in porcine eyes' posterior revealed enhancement of high-wave number bands, clearly distinguishing TBI and healthy cohorts, classified via artificial neural network algorithm for automated data interpretation. Clinically, translating into reduced specialist support, this markedly improves the speed of diagnosis. Designed as a hand-held cost-effective technology, it can allow clinicians to rapidly assess TBI at the point of care and identify long-term changes in brain biochemistry in acute or chronic neurodiseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl Banbury
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Georgia Harris
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Michael Clancy
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, Westminster, London, UK
| | - Richard J. Blanch
- Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Robert Aiken Institute for Clinical Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UHB NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK
| | | | - Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, Institute of Translational Medicine, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Harris G, Stickland CA, Lim M, Goldberg Oppenheimer P. Raman Spectroscopy Spectral Fingerprints of Biomarkers of Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2023; 12:2589. [PMID: 37998324 PMCID: PMC10670390 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions of people of all ages around the globe. TBI is notoriously hard to diagnose at the point of care, resulting in incorrect patient management, avoidable death and disability, long-term neurodegenerative complications, and increased costs. It is vital to develop timely, alternative diagnostics for TBI to assist triage and clinical decision-making, complementary to current techniques such as neuroimaging and cognitive assessment. These could deliver rapid, quantitative TBI detection, by obtaining information on biochemical changes from patient's biofluids. If available, this would reduce mis-triage, save healthcare providers costs (both over- and under-triage are expensive) and improve outcomes by guiding early management. Herein, we utilize Raman spectroscopy-based detection to profile a panel of 18 raw (human, animal, and synthetically derived) TBI-indicative biomarkers (N-acetyl-aspartic acid (NAA), Ganglioside, Glutathione (GSH), Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), Cholesterol, D-Serine, Sphingomyelin, Sulfatides, Cardiolipin, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), S100B, Galactocerebroside, Beta-D-(+)-Glucose, Myo-Inositol, Interleukin-18 (IL-18), Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL)) and their aqueous solution. The subsequently derived unique spectral reference library, exploiting four excitation lasers of 514, 633, 785, and 830 nm, will aid the development of rapid, non-destructive, and label-free spectroscopy-based neuro-diagnostic technologies. These biomolecules, released during cellular damage, provide additional means of diagnosing TBI and assessing the severity of injury. The spectroscopic temporal profiles of the studied biofluid neuro-markers are classed according to their acute, sub-acute, and chronic temporal injury phases and we have further generated detailed peak assignment tables for each brain-specific biomolecule within each injury phase. The intensity ratios of significant peaks, yielding the combined unique spectroscopic barcode for each brain-injury marker, are compared to assess variance between lasers, with the smallest variance found for UCHL1 (σ2 = 0.000164) and the highest for sulfatide (σ2 = 0.158). Overall, this work paves the way for defining and setting the most appropriate diagnostic time window for detection following brain injury. Further rapid and specific detection of these biomarkers, from easily accessible biofluids, would not only enable the triage of TBI, predict outcomes, indicate the progress of recovery, and save healthcare providers costs, but also cement the potential of Raman-based spectroscopy as a powerful tool for neurodiagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Harris
- Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Clarissa A. Stickland
- Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Matthias Lim
- Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
- Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Institute of Healthcare Technologies, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Terrones O, Olazar-Intxausti J, Anso I, Lorizate M, Nieto-Garai JA, Contreras FX. Raman Spectroscopy as a Tool to Study the Pathophysiology of Brain Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2384. [PMID: 36768712 PMCID: PMC9917237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Raman phenomenon is based on the spontaneous inelastic scattering of light, which depends on the molecular characteristics of the dispersant. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy and imaging allow us to obtain direct information, in a label-free manner, from the chemical composition of the sample. Since it is well established that the development of many brain diseases is associated with biochemical alterations of the affected tissue, Raman spectroscopy and imaging have emerged as promising tools for the diagnosis of ailments. A combination of Raman spectroscopy and/or imaging with tagged molecules could also help in drug delivery and tracing for treatment of brain diseases. In this review, we first describe the basics of the Raman phenomenon and spectroscopy. Then, we delve into the Raman spectroscopy and imaging modes and the Raman-compatible tags. Finally, we center on the application of Raman in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of brain diseases, by focusing on traumatic brain injury and ischemia, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oihana Terrones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - June Olazar-Intxausti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Itxaso Anso
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Structural Glycobiology Laboratory, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Maier Lorizate
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Jon Ander Nieto-Garai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Francesc-Xabier Contreras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Instituto Biofisika (UPV/EHU, CSIC), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation of Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Harris G, Rickard JJS, Butt G, Kelleher L, Blanch RJ, Cooper J, Oppenheimer PG. Review: Emerging Eye-Based Diagnostic Technologies for Traumatic Brain Injury. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2023; 16:530-559. [PMID: 35320105 PMCID: PMC9888755 DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2022.3161352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The study of ocular manifestations of neurodegenerative disorders, Oculomics, is a growing field of investigation for early diagnostics, enabling structural and chemical biomarkers to be monitored overtime to predict prognosis. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a cascade of events harmful to the brain, which can lead to neurodegeneration. TBI, termed the "silent epidemic" is becoming a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. There is currently no effective diagnostic tool for TBI, and yet, early-intervention is known to considerably shorten hospital stays, improve outcomes, fasten neurological recovery and lower mortality rates, highlighting the unmet need for techniques capable of rapid and accurate point-of-care diagnostics, implemented in the earliest stages. This review focuses on the latest advances in the main neuropathophysiological responses and the achievements and shortfalls of TBI diagnostic methods. Validated and emerging TBI-indicative biomarkers are outlined and linked to ocular neuro-disorders. Methods detecting structural and chemical ocular responses to TBI are categorised along with prospective chemical and physical sensing techniques. Particular attention is drawn to the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive sensing of neurological molecular signatures in the ocular projections of the brain, laying the platform for the first tangible path towards alternative point-of-care diagnostic technologies for TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Harris
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of BirminghamB15 2TTBirminghamU.K.
| | - Jonathan James Stanley Rickard
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of BirminghamB15 2TTBirminghamU.K.
- Department of Physics, Cavendish LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCB3 0HECambridgeU.K.
| | - Gibran Butt
- Ophthalmology DepartmentUniversity Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustB15 2THBirminghamU.K.
| | - Liam Kelleher
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of BirminghamB15 2TTBirminghamU.K.
| | - Richard James Blanch
- Department of Military Surgery and TraumaRoyal Centre for Defence MedicineB15 2THBirminghamU.K.
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustcBirminghamU.K.
| | - Jonathan Cooper
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowG12 8LTGlasgowU.K.
| | - Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
- School of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, College of Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of BirminghamB15 2TTBirminghamU.K.
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, Institute of Translational MedicineB15 2THBirminghamU.K.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stevens AR, Stickland CA, Harris G, Ahmed Z, Goldberg Oppenheimer P, Belli A, Davies DJ. Raman Spectroscopy as a Neuromonitoring Tool in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Clinical Perspectives. Cells 2022; 11:1227. [PMID: 35406790 PMCID: PMC8997459 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health problem, for which no disease-modifying therapeutics are currently available to improve survival and outcomes. Current neuromonitoring modalities are unable to reflect the complex and changing pathophysiological processes of the acute changes that occur after TBI. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a powerful, label-free, optical tool which can provide detailed biochemical data in vivo. A systematic review of the literature is presented of available evidence for the use of RS in TBI. Seven research studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria with all studies being performed in pre-clinical models. None of the studies reported the in vivo application of RS, with spectral acquisition performed ex vivo and one performed in vitro. Four further studies were included that related to the use of RS in analogous brain injury models, and a further five utilised RS in ex vivo biofluid studies for diagnosis or monitoring of TBI. RS is identified as a potential means to identify injury severity and metabolic dysfunction which may hold translational value. In relation to the available evidence, the translational potentials and barriers are discussed. This systematic review supports the further translational development of RS in TBI to fully ascertain its potential for enhancing patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R. Stevens
- Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (Z.A.); (A.B.); (D.J.D.)
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
| | - Clarissa A. Stickland
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (C.A.S.); (G.H.); (P.G.O.)
| | - Georgia Harris
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (C.A.S.); (G.H.); (P.G.O.)
| | - Zubair Ahmed
- Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (Z.A.); (A.B.); (D.J.D.)
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
- Centre for Trauma Science Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (C.A.S.); (G.H.); (P.G.O.)
| | - Antonio Belli
- Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (Z.A.); (A.B.); (D.J.D.)
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
- Centre for Trauma Science Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - David J. Davies
- Neuroscience, Trauma and Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (Z.A.); (A.B.); (D.J.D.)
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK
- Centre for Trauma Science Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|