Trends in biomedical analysis of red blood cells – Raman spectroscopy against other spectroscopic, microscopic and classical techniques

• Published in: TrAC, Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.) Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.), 2022-01, Vol.146, p.116481, Article 116481
• Main Authors: Dybas, Jakub, Alcicek, Fatih Celal, Wajda, Aleksandra, Kaczmarska, Magdalena, Zimna, Anna, Bulat, Katarzyna, Blat, Aneta, Stepanenko, Tetiana, Mohaissen, Tasnim, Szczesny-Malysiak, Ewa, Perez-Guaita, David, Wood, Bayden R., Marzec, Katarzyna Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical techniques; Biomedical analysis; Erythrocytes; Erythropathies; Microscopic techniques; Molecular spectroscopy; Raman spectroscopy; Red blood cells
• ISSN: 0165-9936; 1879-3142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116481

Application of modern and innovative spectroscopic and microscopic approaches to biomedical analysis opens new horizons and sheds new light on many unexplored scientific territories. In this review, we critically summarize up-to-date Raman-based methodologies for red blood cells (RBCs) analysis used in biology and medicine, and compare them with both classical, as well as other spectroscopic and microscopic approaches. The main emphasis is placed on the advantages, disadvantages and capabilities of each technique for detection of RBC deteriorations and RBC-related diseases. Although currently used classical techniques of medical analysts serve as a gold standard for clinicians in diagnosis of erythropathies, they provide insufficient insight into RBC alterations at the molecular level. In addition, there is a demand for non-destructive and label-free analytical techniques for rapid detection and diagnosis of erythropathies. Their recognition often requires multimodal methodology comprising application of methods including sophisticated spectroscopy-based techniques, where Raman-based approaches play an important role. •Biomedical analysis of erythrocytes requires innovative out-of-the-box approach.•Classical methods are insufficient for precise characterization of erythropaties.•Raman-based techniques provide insight into RBC alterations at the molecular level.•Microscopic and spectroscopic approaches improve diagnostic potential of RBC alterations.