Cell trauma detection using infra-red live cell imaging

Infra-red (IR) spectroscopic imaging of live cells is greatly affected by the presence of water, which is a strong absorber of IR radiation. In order to overcome this, a variety of methods have been developed using complex microfluidic devices to reduce the liquid sample path length. However, these devices are often custom made needing both specialised equipment and detailed fabrication steps. Here we show the novel utilisation of a liquid-air interface configuration and a negative contrast imaging device (NCI) reflectance imaging system for the collection of spectral data from live cells within an in vitro environment. Spectral differences were observed between two different cell densities, both in the presence and absence of cell culture media. Additionally, differences were observed between control and test cultures exposed to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to induce cell apoptosis. The NCI system acquired data in the 2.5 – 3.5 µm spectral region, at a spectral sampling interval of 10 nm. This method will allow further investigation of spectral bio-markers within cell cultures to augment understanding of specific cell contributions to wound healing in vivo.