Utilization of Raman spectroscopy in nanomaterial/bionanomaterial detection

Raman Spectroscopy has been an essential technology in characterizing the natural and man-made nanostructures based on their vibrational modes. The technique is meritorious to study the complexity of cellular structures in detail without the necessity of vacuum. It works on the principle of inelastic scattering of light referred to as the Raman scattering that gives away the structural fingerprint of the studied material. The technique owns various advanced variants including the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced spatially offset Raman Spectroscopy. These techniques are utilized for detecting the nanomaterials dwelling inside human and other mammalian cells. This technology offers a great advantage of not being invasive and can detect the presence of nanomaterials in tissues of several millimeters in thickness. Additionally, as Raman spectroscopy is unaffected by water, it is a highly suitable technology in bio-environment. In the present chapter, the mechanism of detection by the Raman spectroscopy would be discussed in detail along with briefing up of data analysis techniques. Role of the technique in detection of nanoparticles to negate severe illnesses would be highlighted. Thus, the chapter would demonstrate the significance of Raman Spectroscopy in nanotechnology and detection of chronic illness due to uptake and prolonged residence of nanomaterials by mammalian cells

Utilization of flow cytometry in nanomaterial/bionanomaterial detection

Nanomaterials have become inevitable components in various sectors of life and commerce. Maximum utilization of nanomaterials in chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, albeit loaded with abundant biological activities and advantageous alike, leads to toxicity in humans and environment. The nanomaterials penetrate into tissues, porous structures, and membranes and tend to invade and remain within cells and body fluids to eventually cause harmful effects to humans and other mammals. In order to identify and shun the nanomaterials from the body, they must be detected, characterized, and quantified, which require high-end technologies. Flow cytometry is one advanced technique generally used for learning the characteristics of selected populations of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This technique also aids in detecting and delivering information on physicochemical features of the nanomaterials present in the fluid suspensions. In this chapter, an elaborate discussion would be carried out on the techniques involved in investigating and analyzing the nanomaterials using flow cytometer with laser radiations. The mechanisms of the working of flow cytometer in detection of nanomaterials would be highlighted here. A significant study would be performed on side scattered light signal to examine the residing nanomaterials within cellular structures. This chapter shall be beneficial in exposing the potential utilization of flow cytometry in measuring the nanomaterial uptake by the cells and determining human health