Raman spectroscopy has been a critical platform in my research for capturing chemical composition and molecular dynamics with high specificity and spatial resolution. By measuring the inelastic scattering of light, it enables label-free, non-destructive detection of biomolecules in living systems. My work has focused on advancing its application across instrumentation development, live-cell imaging, functional drug response monitoring, and in vivo nanosensor deployment.
Enabling Technologies for Live-Cell Raman Imaging: To make Raman spectroscopy viable for dynamic biological imaging, I contributed to the development of high-speed confocal Raman microscopy workflows capable of tracking molecular behavior in live cells. In one study, carbon nanotube species were differentiated and localized based on their vibrational fingerprints, revealing real-time uptake and aggregation dynamics at subcellular resolution (Nano Letters, 2012). This platform established the feasibility of multiplexed Raman imaging in biologically relevant conditions. I later contributed to work engineering SERS-sensitive gold nanoparticles with highly narrow intra-nanogaps. These particles were designed for organelle targeting, enabling nanometer-scale chemical imaging and morphological assessment of cells under toxic stress (Nanoscale, 2015). Together, these advances laid the groundwork for using Raman to interrogate live systems in real time with both molecular precision and spatial specificity.
Functional Imaging and Drug Response Applications: To explore Raman’s use in therapeutic contexts, we applied it to detect molecular changes induced by drug treatment. In multiple myeloma cells, I helped analyze spectral shifts associated with nuclear and cytoplasmic remodeling following proteasome inhibition, revealing biochemical markers of apoptosis (SPIE, 2016). I also contributed to the development of an in vivo Raman imaging platform to assess tumor response to chemotherapy. Raman spectral changes—particularly in DNA and protein modes—correlated with histological markers of apoptosis, enabling early, noninvasive readouts of therapeutic efficacy (Biomedical Optics Express, 2018).
Translational Nanosensors for In Vivo Monitoring: More recently, I contributed to the development of DNA-wrapped carbon nanotube Raman nanosensors designed to detect hydrogen peroxide as a marker of oxidative stress and treatment response. In a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma model, these nanosensors provided reversible, longitudinal monitoring of drug efficacy in vivo, offering real-time pharmacodynamic insight with molecular specificity (Cancer Research, 2019). I also contributed to imaging workflows for tracking these sensors in live cells with high temporal resolution (Nature Communications, 2021).
Raman spectroscopy continues to evolve as a powerful tool for real-time chemical imaging, enabling both fundamental biological insight and translational applications in therapy monitoring.
