Window into the mind: Advanced handheld spectroscopic eye-safe technology for point-of-care neurodiagnostic

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is hard to diagnose at the point of care with patients often exhibiting no clinical symptoms. There is an urgent need for rapid point-of-care diagnostics to enable timely intervention. We have developed a technology for rapid acquisition of molecular fingerprints of TBI biochemistry to safely measure proxies for cerebral injury through the eye, providing a path toward noninvasive point-of-care neurodiagnostics using simultaneous Raman spectroscopy and fundus imaging of the neuroretina. Detection of endogenous neuromarkers in porcine eyes’ posterior revealed enhancement of high–wave number bands, clearly distinguishing TBI and healthy cohorts, classified via artificial neural network algorithm for automated data interpretation. Clinically, translating into reduced specialist support, this markedly improves the speed of diagnosis. Designed as a hand-held cost-effective technology, it can allow clinicians to rapidly assess TBI at the point of care and identify long-term changes in brain biochemistry in acute or chronic neurodiseases.

Unveiling brain disorders using liquid biopsy and Raman spectroscopy

“…Additionally, exploring the use of handheld or fiber-optic Raman/SERS probes for in vivo or point-of-care applications can broaden accessibility. 46,217–219 Establishing dedicated Raman/SERS facilities or core facilities in research institutions or hospitals can centralize expertise and resources, facilitating broader access to these techniques. Moreover, collaborating with instrument manufacturers to develop user-friendly and cost-effective solutions for biomedical applications can help overcome barriers related to instrumentation and expertise.…”