Advances in Raman imaging combined with AFM and fluorescence microscopy are beneficial for oncology and cancer research.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to provide images of the universal cancer Raman biomarkers based on lipidomic, proteomic, glycomic profiles and nanomechanical properties. Materials & methods: Biochemical mapping and nanomechanical properties (topography, stiffness and adhesion) of human breast and brain for normal and cancer tissues and cell culture line U87 MG of glioblastoma were obtained using Raman imaging combined with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence microscopy. Results & conclusion: Detailed analysis of breast ductal carcinoma in situ, and astrocytoma brain tissues as well as cells of glioblastoma U87 MG showed that Raman scattering generates images as accurately as histology hematoxylin and eosin stain used in clinical practice with additional advantage of biochemical information. Combination of AFM maps and Raman images allows to correlate mechanical properties with biochemical composition of cells.