Engineering mesoscopic-deep Raman spectrometer for whole-organ depth-encoded chemical analysis

Dr Dey's research group's primary aim is to develop a technology to detect cancer locations in the body non-surgically, i.e., without the need for tissue biopsies. This is attempted by injecting custom-made assemblies of non-toxic tiny gold particles that accumulate at the cancer site, which is then tracked by an engineered sensitive Raman (light scattering) detector. This project will develop a specialized instrumentation to study how these gold particles reach the cancer locations. We hope that this understanding will help us further improve the cancer diagnosis technology by providing accurate diagnosis without the patients being exposed to the pain and uncertainty of tissue biopsies.