Raman Spectroscopy - An Analytical Tool for Biologics

Raman Spectroscopy (RS) is a non-invasive technique that analyses biomolecules qualitatively and quantitatively. Raman spectroscopy measures the inelastic scattering of light due to molecular vibrations. It can be applied to liquid, solid, or semi-solid forms of the biological sample reducing the sample preparation measures. The minimal sample preparation and non-invasive nature of Raman Spectroscopy can be applied in developing a Process analytical technology (PAT) tool and as a diagnostic tool. We demonstrated qualitative and quantitative measurements of biologics with Raman spectroscopy through our previous studies. Our results indicate that RS distinguishes various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and a mixture of microbes and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. In addition, RS can determine the concentration of viral samples. We aim to optimize and refine Raman spectroscopy sensitivity by developing in-line probes and acoustic devices. Our future works also involve coupling Raman data with machine learning tools for accurate in-line measurements

Paper-Based Biosensors for the Detection of Nucleic Acids from Pathogens

Paper-based biosensors are microfluidic analytical devices used for the detection of biochemical substances. The unique properties of paper-based biosensors, including low cost, portability, disposability, and ease of use, make them an excellent tool for point-of-care testing. Among all analyte detection methods, nucleic acid-based pathogen detection offers versatility due to the ease of nucleic acid synthesis. In a point-of-care testing context, the combination of nucleic acid detection and a paper-based platform allows for accurate detection. This review offers an overview of contemporary paper-based biosensors for detecting nucleic acids from pathogens. The methods and limitations of implementing an integrated portable paper-based platform are discussed. The review concludes with potential directions for future research in the development of paper-based biosensors