Emerging Raman Applications and Techniques in Biomedical Pharmaceutical Fields

This book presents the latest technological advances in Raman spectroscopy that are presently redrawing the landscape of many fields of biomedical and pharmaceutical R&D. Numerous examples are given to illustrate the application of the new methods. The book presents the latest technological advances in Raman spectroscopy that are presently redrawing the landscape of many fields of biomedical and pharmaceutical R&D. Numerous examples are given to illustrate the application of the new methods and compared with established and related techniques. The book is suitable for both new researchers and practitioners in this area as well as for those familiar with the Raman technique but seeking to keep abreast of the latest dramatic advances in this field. In recent years, Raman spectroscopy has undergone a major transformation from a specialist laboratory technique to a practical analytical tool. This change was driven on several parallel fronts by dramatic advances in laser instrumentation, detectors, spectrometers, and optical ?lter technology. This resulted in the advent of a new generation of compact and robust Raman instruments with improved sensitivity and ?exibility. These devices could be operated for the ?rst time by non-specialists outside the laboratory envir- ment. Indeed, Raman spectroscopy is now found in the chemical and phar- ceutical industries for process control and has very recently been introduced into hospitals. Handheld instruments are used in forensic and other security applications and battery-operated versions for ?eld use are found in envir- mental and geological studies. Simultaneously, major advances have been seen in the development of powerful processing methods, some driven by the progress of related spect- scopic methods such as NIR absorption spectroscopy. Numerous chemometric packages are available for advanced analysis of data. These do not require specialist user knowledge (although caution is required in interpreting - sults) and provide further enhanced sensitivity and capability to the Raman technique. In this book we focus on two such major ?elds, biomedical and ph- maceutical. The book is aimed at life sciences and pharmaceutical re- erships. Accordingly, the chapter authors emphasize explanatory material with practical implications rather than focusing on mathematical detail.