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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:02
Fabricating a UV-Vis and Raman Spectroscopy Immunoassay Platform
Published on: November 10, 2016
SERS as a bioassay platform: fundamentals, design, and applications
Marc D Porter1, Robert J Lipert, Lorraine M Siperko
1Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84018, USA. marc.porter@utah.edu
Chemical Society Reviews
|April 30, 2008
Summary
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enables rapid detection of proteins, viruses, and microorganisms. This bioanalytical method utilizes extrinsic Raman labels (ERLs) for enhanced sensitivity in diagnostics and safety applications.
Area of Science:
- Bioanalytical Science
- Nanotechnology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Growing demand for sensitive and rapid detection of biomarkers in diagnostics and safety.
- Need for advanced techniques to identify pathogens for bioterrorism prevention and food/water safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in heterogeneous immunoassays.
- To detail the development of an assay platform using gold nanoparticles as extrinsic Raman labels (ERLs).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an assay platform including capture substrates and nanoparticle-based labels.
- Design of extrinsic Raman labels (ERLs) using gold nanoparticles functionalized with Raman reporters and antibodies.
- Investigation of plasmon coupling effects between ERLs and capture substrates.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the utility of SERS for detecting proteins, viruses, and microorganisms.
- Highlighted the role of ERLs in enhancing signal detection through Raman scattering and antibody specificity.
- Identified challenges including particle stability, nonspecific adsorption, and assay speed.
Conclusions:
- SERS, utilizing ERLs, offers a promising approach for sensitive and specific bioanalysis.
- Further optimization is needed to address stability, nonspecific binding, and speed for practical applications.
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