Raman microscopy as a novel tool to detect endothelial dysfunction

Raman microscopy, a label-free method with high spatial resolution, shows growing potential in various fields of medical diagnostics. Several proof-of-concept studies related to the application of Raman microscopy to detect endothelial dysfunction are summarized in this work. Both ex vivo measurements of the tissues in the murine models of endothelial pathologies, as well as in vitro investigations of the cell cultures in the context of cellular transport, drug action and inflammation processes are discussed. The future directions in application of Raman spectroscopy-based methods in such studies are also described. (C) 2015 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.