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Life sciences

Raman spectroscopy is being successfully applied to the analysis of human, animal, and plant cells and tissue.

This label-free analytical technique can be used for unravelling the chemical and structural in a range of life science applications, including:
  • Bioprocessing
  • Protein/peptide structural analysis
  • Microbiology
  • Drug delivery in vitro and in vivo
  • Cancer research/pathology
  • Redox biology
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Ageing and neurodegenerative diseases,
  • Biofuel and agricultural research
  • Lipidomics
  • Metabolomics
  • Developmental biology
  • Reproductive biology
  • Virology

Click on the links below to find out how we can help with your life sciences applications:

Cell studies 120px
Cells
Extract chemical information without the need to manipulate genes, or use stains or antibodies.
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Tissue
Extract a full spectrum of chemical information without the need for targeting biomolecules, markers, stains or dyes.
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Micro-organisms
Raman spectroscopy enables the rapid detection and identification of micro-organisms in a variety of settings.
Raman image of maize internode secondary cells
Plant biology
Use Raman imaging to view the changes and distribution of metabolites, proteins, lipids, and pigments in studies of plant growth/development.

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To find out more about this application area, or an application that isn't covered here, contact our applications team.

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Webinar – Resonance Raman spectroscopy for redox biology research

Resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy is the ideal tool for redox biology research. Not only does it demonstrate high sensitivity to haem proteins, it can also elucidate their oxidation and oxygenation states in situ (solution, organelles, cells and tissues). RR imaging provides both chemical and spatial information, enabling correlations between haem protein distribution, oxidation state, and protein/cell function to be made.

Watch the webinar

Downloads: life sciences (general)

  • Brochure: Biological analysis using Raman spectroscopy and imaging Brochure: Biological analysis using Raman spectroscopy and imaging

    The domain of biological research is shaped by our ability to peer into the world of the small. Simply seeing microscopic biological samples is useful, but by utilising Raman spectroscopy we can surpass sight into the molecular realm… and beyond! Download this brochure to discover the wealth of biological applications made possible by Renishaw's Raman systems.

  • Application note: Redox biology with the inVia confocal Raman microscope Application note: Redox biology with the inVia confocal Raman microscope

    Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to the presence of haem proteins and is ideal for studying their redox biology, without the need for isolation or staining. The redox of haem proteins is closely linked to their protein functions – oxygen transport and storage, electron transport, and scavenging of free radicals. By using Raman spectroscopy to elucidate redox states within biological systems, researchers can study redox dynamics and its effects on health regulation and diseases.

  • Application note: Raman imaging for biological applications. No stains. No labels. Application note: Raman imaging for biological applications. No stains. No labels.

    Raman spectroscopy is an information-rich, label-free, non-invasive imaging technique that is ideal for life sciences research. It uses laser light scattering to provide a chemical fingerprint at each point of the analysed area and identifies the molecules present in samples.