In vitro analysis of β-carotene supplementation: insights from Raman spectroscopy on brain, lung, and breast cancer cells

Abstract

β-carotene, a carotenoid abundant in fruits and vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes, plays a significant role in human health and its potential in cancer prevention is widely discussed. However, its precise impact on tumour cell metabolism remains unclear. Utilizing Raman spectroscopy, a technique adept at analysing complex biological systems, we investigated the effects of β-carotene on lung (A549), breast (MCF7), and brain (CRL-1718) cancer cells. We have found that the supplementation with 1 and 10 μM β-carotene altered lipid metabolism differently across cancers: increased lipid production and cytochrome c redox changes in lung cancer, and inhibited growth with reduced lipid and protein levels in breast and brain cancers. Those changes are observed based on a detailed analysis of recorded Raman spectra. We have chosen Raman bands at 1003, 1254, 1310, 1444, 1654, 2848–2964 cm⁻¹ as biomarkers. These findings suggest that β-carotene influences cancer cell metabolism in unique ways, supporting its potential role in cancer treatment strategies.