Skip to main content
Log in

Infrared and Raman imaging of biological and biomimetic samples

  • Review
  • Published:
Fresenius' Journal of Analytical Chemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Established methods for imaging of biological or biomimetic samples, such as fluorescence and optical microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray tomography or positron emission tomography (PET) are currently complemented by infrared (both near-IR and mid-IR) as well as Raman spectroscopic imaging, whether it be on a microscopic or macroscopic scale. These vibrational spectroscopic techniques provide a wealth of information without a priori knowledge of either the spectral data or the composition of the sample. Infrared radiation does not harm the organism, no electric potential needs to be applied, and the measurements are not influenced by electromagnetic fields. In addition, no extrinsic labeling or staining, which may perturb the system under investigation, has to be added. The immense volume of information contained in spectroscopic images requires multivariate analysis methodologies in order to effectively mine the chemical and spatial information contained within the data as well as to analyze a time-series of images in order to reveal the origin of a chemical or biochemical process. The promise and limitations of this new analytical tool are surveyed in this review.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Received: 4 October 1999 / Revised: 13 December 1999 / Accepted: 15 December 1999

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Salzer, R., Steiner, G., Mantsch, H. et al. Infrared and Raman imaging of biological and biomimetic samples. Fresenius J Anal Chem 366, 712–726 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002160051565

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002160051565

Keywords

Navigation