Confocal Raman imaging is well suited for the study of living cells in their physiological surroundings as it is a non-destructive, label-free chemical characterisation technique. Combined with other techniques such a fluorescence microscopy or scanning electron microscopy, Raman imaging can deliver a more comprehensive understanding of a sample. Recent studies have shown that Raman microscopy can even be used to discriminate between malignant and healthy cells. This application note describes how Raman microscopy, alone or in combination, can investigate plant cell walls, macrophages and bacteria, and recognise atherosclerosis, differentiate malignant cells and monitor lipid uptake among other capabilities.
