Role of Raman Spectrometry in Understanding Structure, Function, and Position of Lipids in a Cell

Abstract

Recent researches focus on the functional aspects of lipids as they equally perform with proteins and enzymes in metabolisms and other biological processes. Lipids are fatty substances soluble only in alcohol and ethers but insoluble in water or other polar solvents. The Raman Spectrometry is a proven technique used for the proper understanding of the structure, function and position of lipids in a cell. The lipid study can be done using home-built Raman spectroscope which is an additional advantage. When Monochromatic light from LASER source hits the sample lipids with a particular wavelength, the electron cloud present in the functional groups of sample tend to scatter light. This scattering of light is referred as Raman Effect that produces Raman Spectra. Intensity of Raman Spectra is directly proportional to the degree of unsaturation in the sample lipid in vivo. A study infers that the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 should be high to avoid cardiovascular diseases, even cancer and other autoimmune diseases. Another study suggested that Mediterranean diets are suitable for consumption as they contain polyunsaturated fatty acids. In cancer diagnosis, Raman microspectrometric serves to be one of the tools in studying the lipid content in breast cancer cells.