Raman sensor system: non-invasive monitoring with wide-ranging applications

The Raman sensor system opens new monitoring possibilities by precisely measuring the concentration of carotenoids in the skin - a potential indicator of health. This technology offers a non-invasive insight into dietary habits and health status, with the potential to monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapies.

An advance that brings personalized medicine and improved patient care within reach: In an interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, Dr. Bernd Sumpf explains what the technology is all about and why a current study offers great potential for medical technology.

Dr. Sumpf, what exactly can be diagnosed with the new Raman sensor system?

Dr. Bernd Sumpf: For some time now, there have been studies on how the concentration of carotenoids in the skin correlates with a person's diet. At the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE), we have also carried out measurements on this aspect using our system.

The aim of this project is to investigate the correlation between the health of patients undergoing chemotherapy and the carotenoid concentration. Large statistical figures can be used to investigate whether the chemotherapy is effective and whether it correlates with the carotenoid concentration values. These studies are being carried out together with Thiem-Research GmbH, a research subsidiary of the Carl-Thiem-Klinikum (CTK) in Cottbus.

How does the measurement of the carotenoid concentration in the skin using the Raman sensor system work?

Sumpf: Raman spectroscopy itself is a well-known measurement method, but unfortunately the Raman effect is also very weak and is often superimposed by fluorescence signals or background light. It is therefore necessary to use a special measuring method to separate the Raman photons from interference signatures that can arise in the background.

Some time ago, as part of a project in Berlin together with the Charité, we investigated how this method can measure carotenoids in the field of dermatology. We came up with the idea that the entire spectrum is not actually needed, but that it would be sufficient to measure an exact range and offset it against the background signatures. The carotenoid content can also be determined from the difference.

This means that with the new method we no longer need to record a full spectrum with a spectrometer. With the new Raman sensor system, we can go back to a filter-based solution that measures Raman photons without background at a certain excitation wavelength.

What advantages does this new technology offer over other technologies for medical diagnostics?

Sumpf: The non-invasive method of taking samples speaks in favor of the device for testing - provided that it is also verified in this form. Until now, blood sampling has been the gold standard, but it is more time-consuming in comparison and results are only available with a time delay. The measurement with the new system would work by simply placing the measuring head on the palm of the hand or the forehead and would be available after a short time.

The measurements can then be used primarily to observe changes in the carotenoid concentration over time. This would enable continuous monitoring with the device, which the current study aims to verify.

When would it be possible to implement the system in medical facilities?

Sumpf: As a research institute, we have developed the system, but it is certainly much larger than it needs to be. The idea is to commercialize the system together with a company once the study has been successfully completed and to make it available for use in medical facilities.

What other potential applications or extensions of the Raman sensor system are conceivable?

Sumpf: Ideally, the system could be used for point-of-care testing (POCT) in the future. Patients could then carry out the measurement almost independently over a certain period of time and monitor their state of health, which is not currently the case.