Advancing cerumen analysis: exploring innovative vibrational spectroscopy techniques with respect to their potential as new point-of-care diagnostic tools†

Abstract

Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, is a complex mixture composed of secretions from ceruminous glands. These secretions are heterogeneous mixtures mainly composed of lipids and proteins. Despite its prevalence, the potential diagnostic value of cerumen remains largely unexplored. Here, we present an in-depth analysis of cerumen utilizing well-known vibrational approaches such as conventional Raman spectroscopy or surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) together with advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques such as coherent Raman scattering (CRS), i.e. broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) or stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), as well as optical photothermal infrared (OPTIR) spectroscopy. Through the integration of these vibrational spectroscopic methods, lipids and proteins can be identified as the main components of cerumen; however, they contribute to the final spectral information to various extents depending on the vibrational detection scheme applied. The inherently weak Raman signal could be enhanced by linear (SERS) and non-linear (CRS) processes, resulting in efficient acquisition of fingerprint information and allowing for the detection of marker modes, which cannot be addressed by conventional Raman spectroscopy. OPTIR spectroscopy provides complementary information to Raman spectroscopy, however, without the contribution of a fluorescence background. Our findings underscore the utility of these cutting-edge techniques in unveiling the intricate molecular landscape of cerumen, paving the way for novel point-of-care diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic interventions.