Raman-probe-derived biomarkers account for cartilage composition, structure, and viscoelastic properties

Raman needle–derived biomarkers in equine osteochondral explants explain 81% of the variation in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and 58% in collagen anisotropy.

• Why it matters: Articular cartilage function depends on ECM composition and mechanics, but objective, arthroscopy-compatible measures linking biochemical state to viscoelastic behavior are limited.
• What they did: Equine osteochondral explants from high-load and low-load sites were probed with an arthroscopy-compatible Raman needle; mechanical indentation provided equilibrium/dynamic modulus and phase shift, while a fibril-reinforced biphasic model estimated GAG- and collagen-associated moduli and hydraulic permeability.
• The result: Raman biomarkers accounted for 81% of equilibrium modulus, 58% of dynamic modulus, and 51% of phase shift, and for 83% of non-fibrillar-matrix modulus, 25% of fibril-network modulus, and 34% of hydraulic permeability.

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