Radiobiological Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy: A Review of Analyses of Ionising Radiation Effects in Biology and Medicine

Authors

Jade F. Monaghan, Technological University Dublin
Hugh J. Byrne, Technological University Dublin
Fiona M. Lyng, Technological University Dublin
Aidan D. Meade, Technological University Dublin

Document Type

Article

Publication Details

https://doi.org/10.3390/radiation4030022

Abstract

Vibrational spectroscopic techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption and Raman spectroscopy (RS), offer unique and detailed biochemical fingerprints by detecting specific molecular vibrations within samples. These techniques provide profound insights into the molecular alterations induced by ionising radiation, which are both complex and multifaceted. This paper reviews the application of rapid and label-free vibrational spectroscopic methods for assessing biological radiation responses. These assessments span from early compartmentalised models such as DNA, lipid membranes, and vesicles to comprehensive evaluations in various living biological models, including tissues, cells, and organisms of diverse origins. The review also discusses future perspectives, highlighting how the field is overcoming methodological limitations. RS and FTIR have demonstrated significant potential in detecting radiation-induced biomolecular alternations, which may facilitate the identification of radiation exposure spectral biomarkers/profiles.

DOI

10.3390/radiation4030022

Recommended Citation

Monaghan, J. F., Byrne, H. J., Lyng, F. M., & Meade, A. D. (2024). Radiobiological Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy: A Review of Analyses of Ionising Radiation Effects in Biology and Medicine. Radiation, 4(3), 276-308. https://doi.org/10.3390/radiation4030022

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.