Red blood cells under externally induced stressors probed by micro-Raman spectroscopy

ABSTRACT

Optical techniques are becoming increasingly popular for the analysis of body fluids, particularly so after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Raman spectroscopy has found special significance among them due to its ability to perform label-free investigations of biological solutions with high sensitivity and specificity. The integration of Raman spectroscopy with optical tweezers-Raman Tweezers-has been explored in conducting biochemical investigations on individual red blood cells. We present in this chapter an evaluation of various stress agents, such as intravenous fluids, certain chemicals, and metal nanoparticles, on live, human red blood cells using the Raman Tweezers technique. The technique found efficacy in monitoring hemoglobin deoxygenation, heme aggregation, heme degradation, and membrane damage in red blood cells under the influence of exogenous agents. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.