Single cell Raman spectroscopy for cell sorting and imaging

Single cell Raman spectroscopy (SCRS) is a non-invasive and label-free technology, allowing in vivo and multiple parameter analysis of individual living cells. A single cell Raman spectrum usually contains more than 1000 Raman bands which provide rich and intrinsic information of the cell (e.g. nucleic acids, protein, carbohydrates and lipids), reflecting cellular genotypes, phenotypes and physiological states. A Raman spectrum serves as a molecular 'fingerprint' of a single cell, making it possible to differentiate various cells including bacterial, protistan and animal cells without prior knowledge of the cells. However, a key drawback of SCRS is the fact that spontaneous Raman signals are naturally weak; this review discusses recent research progress in significantly enhancing and improving the signal of spontaneous Raman spectroscopy, including resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS), coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS), stimulated Raman spectroscopy (SIRS) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SEAS). This review focuses on the biotechnological development and the associated applications of SCRS, including Raman activated cell sorting (RACS) and Raman imaging and mapping.