Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy imaging of live epithelial cancer cells under non-aqueous media.

Aims: Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging is increasingly being applied to biomedical specimens, but strong IR absorption by water complicates live cell imaging. This study investigates the viability of adherent epithelial cells maintained for short periods under mineral oils in order to facilitate live cell spectroscopy using FT-IR with subsequent imaging.

Methods: The MGH-U1 urothelial or CaCo2 colorectal cancer cell lines were grown on plastic surfaces or mid-range infrared transparent windows.