Storage effect on human blood components probed by Raman Tweezers Spectroscopy
Storage effect on human blood components probed by Raman Tweezers Spectroscopy
Mithun Nelliat1, Ganesh Mohan2, Shamee Shastry2, Jijo Lukose1, Murukeshan Vadakke Matham3, Santhosh Chidangil1*
1. Centre of Excellence for Biophotonics, Manipal Institute of Applied Physics, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka-576104, India
2. Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka-576104, India
3. Centre for Optical and Laser Engineering, School of Mechanical Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
*E-mail: santhosh.cls@manipal.edu
Abstract
The study of blood components at the single-cell level is crucial for understanding their structural and functional dynamics in health and disease. Raman Tweezers, which combine optical trapping with Raman spectroscopy, provide a powerful platform for investigating red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets in their native aqueous environment. This technique enables the acquisition of Raman spectral fingerprints from individual RBCs, revealing hemoglobin conformational dynamics, oxygenation states, and associated biochemical variations. Similarly, platelets have been examined to identify spectral markers corresponding to membrane proteins, lipids, and intracellular biomolecules, thereby highlighting biochemical signatures associated with platelet activation. An important extension of these investigations lies in probing the storage effects on blood components, which directly impact transfusion quality. During storage, RBCs and platelets undergo progressive biochemical and structural alterations, collectively termed storage lesions, that compromise their viability and function. Raman Tweezers offer the capability to monitor these changes at the molecular level with single-cell resolution, allowing the identification of early markers of degradation. Such findings can contribute to optimizing storage protocols, extending shelf-life, and enhancing transfusion safety. Overall, Raman Tweezers provide a promising analytical approach for advancing both blood component characterization and storage biology.
Speaker
SANTHOSH CHIDANGIL
MANIPAL ACADEMY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
INDIA
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