Nanomaterials meet surface-enhanced Raman scattering towards enhanced clinical diagnosis: a review

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a very promising tool for the direct detection of biomarkers for the diagnosis of i.e., cancer and pathogens. Yet, current SERS strategies are hampered by non-specific interactions with co-existing substances in the biological matrices and the difficulties of obtaining molecular fingerprint information from the complex vibrational spectrum. Raman signal enhancement is necessary, along with convenient surface modification and machine-based learning to address the former issues. This review aims to describe recent advances and prospects in SERS-based approaches for cancer and pathogens diagnosis. First, direct SERS strategies for key biomarker sensing, including the use of substrates such as plasmonic, semiconductor structures, and 3D order nanostructures for signal enhancement will be discussed. Secondly, we will illustrate recent advances for indirect diagnosis using active nanomaterials, Raman reporters, and specific capture elements as SERS tags. Thirdly, critical challenges for translating the potential of the SERS sensing techniques into clinical applications via machine learning and portable instrumentation will be described. The unique nature and integrated sensing capabilities of SERS provide great promise for early cancer diagnosis or fast pathogens detection, reducing sanitary costs but most importantly allowing disease prevention and decreasing mortality rates.

A Systematic Approach toward Enabling Maximal Targeting Efficiency of Cell Surface Proteins with Actively Targeted SERS Nanoparticles

“…Comprehending the stability of the thiolated SERS NPs holds significant importance for various key aspects that include enhancing binding efficiency, , preventing aggregation, , ensuring biological compatibility, , promoting reproducibility, optimizing conjugation processes, and minimizing the collection of inaccurate results. To attain effective binding of our SERS NPs within cellular environments, it is imperative to ensure ample presence of thiol groups to facilitate precise labeling for accurate biomarker detection.…”

Label-Free SERS Salivary Biosensor Based on Ni@Ag Core–Shell Nanoparticles Anchored on Carbon Nanofibers for Prediagnosis of Lung Cancer

“…Electromagnetic enhancement is primarily caused by a group of oscillating electron waves on the substrate, which is often observed for substrates abundant with free electrons and capable of producing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) during excitation. − This leads to the formation of highly localized areas of LSPR-induced electromagnetic field amplification, known as hotspots in the gaps between the consecutive Ni@Ag core–shell nanoparticles. Hence, enhancement occurs when the analyte molecules come in the vicinity of the hotspots and enhancement decreases as the distance between the consecutive plasmonic Ni@Ag nanoparticles increases.…”

Advancing clinical cancer care: Unveiling the power of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy

“…35,36 In the context of early cancer diagnosis, SERS technology can be applied to liquid biopsies, allowing for the early detection and screening of cancer through biomarkers present in body fluid samples such as blood, urine, and saliva. 37,38 Furthermore, SERS technology can be used to investigate the TME, revealing molecular changes and interactions surrounding tumor cells, which can enhance our understanding of tumor growth and metastasis. 39 Additionally, SERS technology has the potential to detect precancerous lesions, enabling the early identification of subtle changes in cells and tissues and improving the accuracy of cancer prediction and diagnosis.…”

“…This technology shows great potential in detecting biomarkers in body fluids, tissues, and the tumor microenvironment (TME), as well as monitoring bioactive molecules within subcellular structures 35,36 . In the context of early cancer diagnosis, SERS technology can be applied to liquid biopsies, allowing for the early detection and screening of cancer through biomarkers present in body fluid samples such as blood, urine, and saliva 37,38 . Furthermore, SERS technology can be used to investigate the TME, revealing molecular changes and interactions surrounding tumor cells, which can enhance our understanding of tumor growth and metastasis 39 .…”