Novel Applications of Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Drug Discovery, mRNA Vaccine Stability Assessment, and Forensic Purposes

Abstract

The main focus of this dissertation was to apply enhanced Raman spectroscopy techniques to a variety of applications, ranging from drug discovery, mRNA vaccine stability, to forensic analysis. There are five chapters in this dissertation. The first chapter discusses the basics of enhanced Raman spectroscopy techniques and their relevance. The second chapter is focused on the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for drug discovery. The third chapter introduces the use of deep ultraviolet resonance Raman (DUVRR) spectroscopy for the detection of mRNA degradation in a mRNA vaccine model. The fourth chapter introduces the use of stand-off Raman spectroscopy in addition to chemometrics for the detection and identification of body fluid traces. The final chapter presents an overview of the conclusions drawn from this dissertation.