Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Tags for Three-Dimensional Bioimaging and Biomarker Detection

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Spectroscopy
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Significant advancements in nanoparticle fabrication have improved Raman-active molecules (SERS tags).
• SERS tags present a promising alternative to traditional fluorescence-based techniques.
• Progress in SERS tag quality enables diverse applications across various scientific fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a perspective on the composition, morphology, and structure of SERS tags.
• To review the current state-of-the-art in SERS tag technology.
• To highlight the bioimaging applications and future potential of SERS tags.

Main Methods:

• Review of current fabrication methods for SERS tag building-blocks.
• Analysis of SERS tag composition, morphology, and structure.
• Evaluation of SERS tag performance in bioimaging and biomarker detection.

Main Results:

• SERS tags have evolved from 2D to 3D bioimaging capabilities.
• Improved sensitivity and multiplexing enable in vivo applications, such as tumor boundary highlighting.
• High sensitivity facilitates reliable biomarker detection, even at low analyte concentrations.

Conclusions:

• SERS tags represent a significant technological advancement with broad applicability.
• The potential for SERS tags extends to guiding surgical procedures and improving diagnostic reliability.
• Continued development promises to expand the role of SERS tags in biomedical research and clinical practice.