Surface Enhanced Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy Detection of Neurochemicals Through the Skull

Anal Chem. 2017 Jun 6;89(11):5688-5692. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00985. Epub 2017 May 16.

Abstract

The ability to noninvasively detect neurotransmitters through the skull would aid in understanding brain function and the development of neurological diseases. Surface enhanced spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SESORS) is a powerful technique that combines the sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with the ability of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) to probe subsurface layers. Here we present SERS measurements of neurotransmitters (melatonin, serotonin, and epinephrine) at various concentrations followed by the SESORS measurements of the neurotransmitters to a concentration as low as 100 μM in a brain tissue mimic through a cat skull. Principal components analysis was performed to distinguish between the surface bone layer and the subsurface layer, comprised of a brain tissue mimic modified with neurotransmitters, and to determine if each individual neurotransmitter could be accurately identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetics
  • Brain Chemistry*
  • Epinephrine / analysis
  • Melatonin / analysis
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / analysis*
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Serotonin / analysis
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Serotonin
  • Melatonin
  • Epinephrine