Hyphenated Raman spectroscopic systems: applications in biological, environmental, and materials sciences

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful nondestructive technique extensively studied in biological, environmental, and biomedical applications. To assess the contaminants and pollutants in the environment, Raman spectroscopy is the go-to method. Its label-free nature, noninvasiveness, and extreme sensitivity to detect even minute structural changes make it even more desirable in disease diagnosis. The high flexibility and easy portability of Raman instrumentation enable it to overcome its few drawbacks and make it ideal for various applications by allowing the hyphenation of Raman spectroscopy with other optical and nonoptical techniques. This includes techniques such as fluorescence, optical coherence tomography, mass spectrometry, chromatography, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and so on. The logic behind the selection of techniques for hyphenated combinations depends on the specific application. Hyphenated systems such as the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy—Raman-laser-induced fluorescence have application in various fields such as archaeology, planetary exploration, and environmental monitoring. Combinations like the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy-Raman system can be utilized for microplastic characterization.