Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning for Forensic Purposes Biomedical Applications

Raman spectroscopy combined with advanced statistical methods is a powerful tool for both fundamental research and practical applications. We have been developing this approach for over 20 years to understand protein folding and aggregation, as well as to create new tools for forensic purposes and biomedical applications. Specifically, several complementary Raman spectroscopic techniques have been developed and applied to determine the structure, stability, and formation mechanisms of amyloid fibrils. A new, noninvasive method for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnostics based on Raman spectroscopy of blood and saliva has been patented and is currently under commercialization. The developed approach has also shown great potential for diagnosing Sjögren’s disease.
The recent success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines has highlighted the potential of RNA-based therapeutics. However, the use of RNA-based therapeutics is limited by the special storage conditions required to maintain RNA stability. For example, improper temperature control results in the loss of approximately half of the vaccines distributed worldwide. We have developed the first nondestructive, in situ method based on deep-UV resonance Raman (DUVRR) spectroscopy for probing the stability of mRNA vaccines and the distribution of mRNA between lipid nanoparticles and buffer.
We have demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy can be used to identify biological stains at a crime scene, indicating the type of body fluid. In addition, peripheral and menstrual blood, as well as human and animal blood, can be differentiated. The time since deposition of a bloodstain can be estimated for up to two years. Most recently, we demonstrated proof-of-concept for phenotype profiling based on Raman spectroscopy of dry traces of body fluids, including the determination of the donor’s sex, race, and age group. A university spinoff, SupreMEtric LLC (www.supremetric.com), is commercializing this novel technology.