Research Projects

Raman spectroscopy is a widely used technique for studying biological samples, including cells, tissues, and biomolecules. Despite its weak signal intensity, it remains a valuable analytical technique due to its high specificity, molecular imaging, and minimal sample preparation requirements. However, detecting bacteria and cells suspended in fluids like blood, urine, and other body fluids remains challenging due to low cell concentrations. Researchers have developed approaches to improve Raman signal intensity, such as Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), but these have drawbacks such as less repeatability and unstable substrates. To improve detection limitations of traditional Raman spectroscopy, researchers propose combining it with ultrasonic microcavity (UMRS). This new technique combines the benefits of Raman spectroscopy and ultrasonic microcavity, offering high sensitivity and specificity for the detection and analysis of biological samples in fluids. The project aims to build an ultrasonic microcavity for Raman spectroscopy, standardize the setup using polystyrene beads, study activated vs non-activated T-cells, and apply the technique to detect low concentration microorganisms like bacteria in fluids. UMRS has significant implications for biomedical research and diagnostics, as it offers a non-invasive and label-free method for studying cells and microorganisms in fluids. The development of a novel specialized setup and protocols for UMRS will be tested and validated, and the application of this technique in bacterial detection and studying t-cell activation will be explored.