Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.
ACS Sens. 2024 Jul 26;9(7):3794-3804. doi: 10.1021/acssensors.4c01242. Epub 2024 Jul 8.
Articular cartilage is a complex tissue, and early detection of osteoarthritis (OA) is crucial for effective treatment. However, current imaging modalities lack molecular specificity and primarily detect late-stage changes. In this study, we propose the use of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) for noninvasive, depth-dependent, and molecular-specific diagnostics of articular cartilage. We demonstrate the potential of SORS to penetrate deep layers of cartilage, providing a comprehensive understanding of disease progression. Our SORS measurements were characterized and validated through mechanical and histological techniques, revealing strong correlations between spectroscopic measurements and both Young's modulus and depth of cartilage damage. By longitudinally monitoring enzymatically degraded condyles, we further developed a depth-dependent damage-tracking method. Our analysis revealed distinct components related to sample depth and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) changes, offering a comprehensive picture of cartilage health. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of SORS as a valuable tool for enhancing OA management and improving patient outcomes.
关节软骨是一种复杂的组织，早期发现骨关节炎（OA）对于有效治疗至关重要。然而，目前的成像方式缺乏分子特异性，主要检测晚期变化。在这项研究中，我们提出使用空间偏移拉曼光谱（SORS）进行非侵入性、深度依赖和分子特异性的关节软骨诊断。我们证明了 SORS 穿透软骨深层的潜力，全面了解疾病的进展。我们通过机械和组织学技术对 SORS 测量进行了表征和验证，揭示了光谱测量与软骨的杨氏模量和损伤深度之间的强相关性。通过对酶降解的髁进行纵向监测，我们进一步开发了一种深度相关的损伤跟踪方法。我们的分析揭示了与样本深度和糖胺聚糖（GAG）变化相关的不同成分，全面描绘了软骨的健康状况。总的来说，这些发现强调了 SORS 作为一种有价值的工具，用于增强 OA 管理和改善患者预后的潜力。
