Detection of Cardiac Troponin I in circulation using Raman Spectroscopy; an approach to prediction of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) pertains to cardiac tissue death, secondary to prolonged inadequate perfusion to myocardial cells. Despite medical advances, MI remains a global leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Minute and subclinical physiological changes occur hours prior to a symptomatically appreciable ‘attack’. These well-established phenomena involve the release of specific cardiac biomarkers into systemic circulation. Quantitative measurement of systemic cTnI concentrations is widely and routinely implemented in the diagnosis of MI. However, current technology is limited to detection of ‘post-attack’ concentrations, which often indicates irreversible damage. Consequently, we aimed to noninvasively detect concentrations of cTnI through biophotonic technology. For the first time in literature, we characterized and repeatedly verified unique Raman signature of mouse cTnI in water and BSA. Further, we investigated concentration changes, optimized integration durations, and proposed a conceptual design. This project potentially begets preclinical detection of biomarkers, earlier diagnosis, prompt medical intervention, and enhanced overall prognosis.