Hellma Flow Cell Supports New Approaches to Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Proof-of-concept experiments using a Hellma quartz flow cell demonstrate the potential of continuous serum analysis by deep UV Raman spectroscopy.

Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia remains a challenge. Against this backdrop, research is increasingly focusing on blood-based biomarkers that could support earlier and less invasive diagnostics in the future.

IS Instruments, a UK manufacturer of spectroscopic measurement systems, investigated this approach in a proof-of-concept experiment. The study used the company's in-house developed deep UV Raman spectrometer "Odin" together with the Hellma quartz flow cell 137-10-40.

Deep UV Raman Spectroscopy Enables Flow Configuration and Reduces Fluorescence Interference
Combining deep UV Raman spectroscopy with a flow configuration addresses two key challenges. First, it reduces the poor reproducibility and inaccuracy of static measurement setups. Second, it mitigates the strong fluorescence that can occur in conventional Raman spectroscopy. At excitation wavelengths around 229 nm, as used in deep UV Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence and Raman signals can be separated far more effectively. In the experiments, the setup detected biologically relevant components even at low concentrations. The fused silica flow cell from Hellma exhibited only a low intrinsic Raman background and enabled reproducible measurement of weak Raman signals.

Foundation for Further Development
The results demonstrate the high potential of combining the Hellma quartz flow cell with deep UV Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of serum samples. Continuous sample delivery improves the representativeness and reproducibility of the measurements and, at the same time, creates the conditions for further automation, for example through pumps, valves or autosamplers.

The Hellma flow cell thus provides an important building block for the further development of methods for investigating blood-based biomarkers, and thereby for research into less invasive approaches to the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

To learn more about the experimental setup, the measurement results and the advantages of the Hellma quartz flow cell, read the full application note.

https://www.hellma.com/en/industries-applications/biotechnology/durchflussverfahren-zur-analyse-von-biomarkern