Raman microspectroscopy: toward a better distinction and profiling of different populations of dental stem cells

Aim To characterize stem cells originating from different dental tissues (apical papilla [SCAP], dental follicle [DFSC], and pulp [DPSC]) and test the capacity of Raman microspectroscopy to distinguish between the three dental stem cell types. Methods SCAR DFSC, and DPSC cultures were generated from three immature wisdom teeth originating from three patients. Cell stemness was confirmed by inducing neuro-, osteo-, chondro-, and adipo-differentiaton and by mesenchymal marker expression analysis by flow-cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cellular components were then evaluated by Raman microspectroscopy. Results We found differences between SCAP, DFSC, and DPSC Raman spectra. The ratio between proteins and nucleic acids (748/770), a parameter for discriminating more differentiated from less differentiated cells, showed significant differences between the three cell types. All cells also displayed a fingerprint region in the 600-700 cm(-1) range, and characteristic lipid peaks at positions 1440 cm(-1) and 1650 cm(-1). Conclusion Although different dental stem cells exhibited similar Raman spectra, the method enabled us to make subtle distinction between them