Open AccessTracking Molecular Diffusion across Biomaterials’ Interfaces Using Stimulated Raman Scattering
Author(s) -
Han Cui,
Andrew Glidle,
Jonathan M. Cooper
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
acs applied materials and interfaces
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.535
H-Index - 228
eISSN - 1944-8252
pISSN - 1944-8244
DOI - 10.1021/acsami.2c04444
Subject(s) - raman spectroscopy , materials science , raman scattering , diffusion , self healing hydrogels , fluorescence , fluorescence correlation spectroscopy , biomaterial , signal (programming language) , analytical chemistry (journal) , nanotechnology , chemical physics , optics , chemistry , computer science , physics , chromatography , polymer chemistry , thermodynamics , programming language
The determination of molecular diffusion across biomaterial interfaces, including those involving hydrogels and tissues remains important, underpinning the understanding of a broad range of processes including, for example, drug delivery. Current techniques using Raman spectroscopy have previously been established as a method to quantify diffusion coefficients, although when using spontaneous Raman spectroscopy, the signal can be weak and dominated by interferences such as background fluorescence (including biological autofluoresence). To overcome these issues, we demonstrate the use of the stimulated Raman scattering technique to obtain measurements in soft tissue samples that have good signal-to-noise ratios and are largely free from fluorescence interference. As a model illustration of a small metabolite/drug molecule being transported through tissue, we use deuterated ( d 7 -) glucose and monitor the Raman C-D band in a spectroscopic region free from other Raman bands. The results show that although mass transport follows a diffusion process characterized by Fick's laws within hydrogel matrices, more complex mechanisms appear within tissues.