Project leader: Dr Tamara Kukolj

Project number: “Start up for science” 2019/2020 funded by Philip Morris Company

Project collaborators:

Dr Jasmina Lazarević, dr Uroš Ralević, dr Nenad Lazarević from Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade

Duration of the project: Jun 2019 – 2020

Leading Institution:

Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

Analysis of the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at the level of individual cells using Raman spectroscopy with the aim of developing Raman spectroscopy as a fast, simple, and non-destructive Single Cell method for evaluating the regenerative potential of MSCs. Most biochemical changes, caused by physiological or pathological changes, are observed in the Raman spectrum under appropriate conditions, as a change in the intensity and/or position of the Raman mode. Therefore, the characteristics of MSCs originating from different tissues and donors will be investigated, as well as changes in age-related characteristics in MSCs populations. Changes in the Raman spectrum resulting from replicative age, i.e. prolonged cultivation in vitro, will be monitored, as well as changes in the spectrum caused by certain pharmacological substances used in the therapy of various diseases, which accelerate the aging process. Based on the obtained results, the correlation between the vibrational spectrum and the regenerative potential of primary MSCs will be determined, which will enable the establishment of Raman spectroscopy as a fast, simple, and non-invasive method for the qualitative analysis of the regenerative potential of a certain population of MSCs. This project will contribute to the detailed characterization of MSCs, to significantly speed up and facilitate their further application in cell therapy and tissue engineering.