Resonance Raman detection of carotenoid antioxidants in living human tissues

We have used resonance Raman scattering as a novel noninvasive optical technology to measure carotenoid antioxidants in living human tissues of healthy volunteers. By use of blue-green laser excitation, clearly distinguishable carotenoid Raman spectra superimposed on a fluorescence background are obtained. The Raman spectra are obtained within less than a minute, and the required laser light exposure levels are well within safety standards. Our technique can be used for rapid screening of carotenoid levels in large populations and may have applications for assessing antioxidant status and the risk for diseases related to oxidative stress. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.