Biophotonics: analysis of the effects of pesticides on biological systems via Raman microspectroscopy.

• Grant number: 24/11108-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Jesus Gonçalves Rubira
• Grantee: Rafael Jesus Gonçalves Rubira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Exatas (IGCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Annelise de Souza Rosa Fontana ; Giovana Rampazzo Teixeira ; Juan Carlos Otero ; MARIA EUGENIA TUTTOLOMONDO ; Maria Paula Matos Marques Catarro ; Ornella Francioso ; Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior ; Santiago Sanchez-Cortes

Abstract

Comprehending the impact of pesticides on biological systems is essential for unraveling how these compounds influence organisms, ecosystems, biodiversity, environmental health, and food security. As an illustration, bees play a pivotal role in pollinating numerous crops, and the undue application of pesticides can jeopardize both their survival and food production. Furthermore, these chemicals have the potential to pollute water sources, leading to repercussions for aquatic ecosystems, organisms, and human well-being. The main challenge in studying the effect of pesticides on biological systems, such as bees, fish, and mice via Raman microspectroscopy, is the complexity of these systems and the presence of multiple components that can interfere with accurate analysis. The Raman signal generated by compounds present in biological tissues is often weak and difficult to distinguish, requiring advanced and sensitive techniques for proper detection. To surmount these obstacles, it is essential to optimize the experimental conditions, including the choice of the laser source, the spectrometer settings, and the treatment of biological samples and the obtained spectra. A useful technique to overcome these challenges is the Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technique, which allows the amplification of the Raman signal from molecules on nanostructured surfaces, increasing the sensitivity and spatial resolution of conventional Raman spectroscopy. Combining this technique with multivariate analysis and Raman microspectroscopy, it is possible to obtain a more complete view of the effects of pesticides on biological systems and to identify possible biomarkers to monitor exposure to these chemicals. In summary, the study of the effects of pesticides on biological systems is essential for the development of more sustainable and safer agricultural practices, reducing negative impacts on the environment and public health, as well as ensuring food security. Raman techniques, SERS, and multivariate analysis, combined with advanced microspectroscopy equipment, have the potential to overcome the challenges associated with this study, providing valuable information for monitoring, and controlling exposure to pesticides. (AU)