Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and microfluidic platforms: challenges, solutions and potential applications

Abstract

The exhaustive body of literature published in the last four years on the development and application of systems based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with microfluidic devices demonstrates that this research field is a current hot topic. This synergy, also referred to as lab-on-a-chip SERS (LoC-SERS) or nano/micro-optofluidics SERS, has opened the door for new opportunities where both techniques can profit. On the one hand, SERS measurements are considerably improved because the processes previously performed on a large scale in the laboratory and prone to human error can now be carried out in nanoliter volumes in an automatic and reproducible manner; on the other hand, microfluidic platforms need detection methods able to sense in small volumes and therefore, SERS is ideal for this task. The present review not only aims to provide the reader an overview of the recent developments and advancements in this field, but it also addresses the key aspects of fundamental SERS theory that influence the interpretation of SERS spectra, as well as the challenges brought about by the experimental conditions and chemometric data analysis.

Spectroscopic Detection of Glyphosate in Water Assisted by Laser-Ablated Silver Nanoparticles

“…Interrogation of a solution, without changing the matrix to another solvent as in the case of liquid chromatography, is advantageous for the water quality monitoring. It opens up the possibility of using microfluidic interrogation techniques for on-line verification [41] and has the potential to be a complementary pre-compliance analysis technique that can be used for the quality assurance of water resources.…”

Trace analysis of organic compounds in foods with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy: Methodology, progress, and challenges

“…() applied a millifluidic chip system with multiple functions for extracting (e.g., mixing, filtration, and solid‐phase extraction) benzoyl peroxide in flour products before SERS analysis, resulting in LOD of 0.035 and 0.1 g/kg for flour and steamed bun, respectively. The combination of SERS with microfluidic platforms has become an important area in recent years and there are a number of review papers covering the relevant principles, applications, advantages, pitfalls, and possible solutions (Jahn et al., ; Kant & Abalde‐Cela, ; Liao & Lu, ; Pu, Xiao, & Sun, ).…”

Combination of liquid‐based column separations with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy

“…Despite the fact that SERS belongs to relatively mature methods in the field of off‐line experiments, its coupling to separation techniques has been so far reported only for model mixtures or for stand‐alone applications . This review critically summaries, to the best of our knowledge, all so far published constructional designs in the field of on‐line and at‐line coupling of SERS detection to LC and CE, i.e.…”