Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing SERS Technology: Au@Carbon Dot Nanoprobes for Label-Free Analysis and Imaging
Published on: June 9, 2023
Recent progress of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for subcellular compartment analysis.
Yanting Shen1,2, Jing Yue1, Weiqing Xu1
1State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People's Republic of China.
This review discusses how surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is being used to study subcellular compartments. SERS allows scientists to analyze molecular interactions within cells without damaging them. The review covers labeling and label-free methods for intracellular SERS. It also explains how plasmonic nanoparticles can be used to target specific organelles. The study highlights SERS applications in understanding therapeutic mechanisms and integrating diagnosis with treatment. The authors suggest that future research should focus on six key areas to advance SERS in subcellular research. This review serves as a helpful reference for developing SERS-based therapeutic systems.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Analytical chemistry
- Medical diagnostics
Background:
Understanding subcellular structures is essential for uncovering disease mechanisms. Organelles influence cellular functions and are linked to various disorders. Prior research has shown that disruptions in organelle activity may lead to apoptosis or cancer progression. However, traditional methods often lack the resolution to study these structures in detail. This gap motivated the development of more precise analytical techniques. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offers a non-invasive way to study molecular interactions at the subcellular level. It provides high sensitivity and specificity, making it suitable for cellular investigations. That uncertainty drove the need for a comprehensive review of SERS applications in this field. No prior work had resolved the full potential of SERS in subcellular compartment analysis.
Purpose Of The Study:
This review aims to summarize recent SERS advancements in subcellular compartment research. It focuses on how SERS can enhance the understanding of organelle functions and disease mechanisms. The study addresses the need for a detailed overview of SERS applications in this area. It explores both labeling and label-free methods for intracellular SERS. The motivation stems from the demand for non-destructive, real-time cellular analysis. SERS is particularly useful for studying drug-targeting strategies and therapeutic mechanisms. The review also highlights the integration of SERS in diagnosis and treatment. It provides a structured perspective on the current state and future directions of SERS in subcellular research.
Main Methods:
The review approach includes a structured analysis of recent SERS studies on subcellular compartments. It categorizes SERS applications into labeling and label-free methods. The authors examine how plasmonic nanoparticles are internalized in target organelles. They discuss SERS measurements of isolated organelles and their microenvironments. The study also covers therapeutic mechanism investigations using SERS. Integration of SERS in diagnosis and treatment is another key focus. The authors provide a perspective on future directions for subcellular SERS research. They synthesize findings to highlight the potential of SERS in advancing cellular investigations.
Main Results:
SERS is highlighted for its molecular specificity and high sensitivity in subcellular studies. Labeling methods allow targeted detection of specific organelles. Label-free methods provide real-time, non-invasive monitoring of cellular dynamics. Internalization of plasmonic nanoparticles is crucial for subcellular targeting. SERS measurements of isolated organelles reveal detailed molecular interactions. Therapeutic mechanisms are better understood through SERS investigations. Integration of SERS in diagnosis and treatment is shown to be promising. The review identifies six key areas for future development in subcellular SERS research.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that SERS is a valuable tool for subcellular compartment analysis. They suggest that its high sensitivity and specificity make it suitable for cellular investigations. The review highlights the importance of both labeling and label-free methods. The authors propose that internalizing plasmonic nanoparticles is essential for targeted studies. They suggest that SERS can enhance understanding of therapeutic mechanisms. The integration of SERS in diagnosis and treatment is seen as a promising direction. The authors propose that future research should focus on six key areas. They conclude that this review serves as a useful reference for designing SERS-based therapeutic systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
SERS provides molecular fingerprint information and real-time data with high sensitivity and specificity.
The two main methods are labeling and label-free approaches for detecting subcellular structures.
It allows targeted detection and analysis of specific subcellular compartments.
The review includes SERS measurements of isolated organelles and therapeutic mechanism studies.
SERS helps monitor drug interactions with subcellular compartments in a non-invasive way.
The authors propose that future research should focus on six key areas for development.
More Related Videos
07:37An Integrated Raman Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry Platform to Study Single-Cell Drug Uptake, Metabolism, and Effects
Published on: January 9, 2020
10:59Label-Free Imaging of Lipid Storage Dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans using Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy
Published on: May 28, 2021