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Published on: March 25, 2019
Advances in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for in Vivo Imaging in Oncology
Kenry1,2, Fay Nicolson1,3, Louise Clark1,4
1Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Abstract:
In the last two decades, the application of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles for preclinical cancer imaging has attracted increasing attention. Raman imaging with SERS nanoparticles offers unparalleled sensitivity, providing a platform for molecular targeting, and granting multiplexed and multimodal imaging capabilities. Recent progress has been facilitated not only by the optimization of the SERS contrast agents themselves, but also by the developments in Raman imaging approaches and instrumentation. In this article, we review the principles of Raman scattering and SERS, present advances in Raman instrumentation specific to cancer imaging, and discuss the biological means of ensuring selective in vivo uptake of SERS contrast agents for targeted, multiplexed, and multimodal imaging applications. We offer our perspective on areas that must be addressed in order to facilitate the clinical translation of SERS contrast agents for in vivo imaging in oncology.
Insights
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles offer sensitive preclinical cancer imaging. Advances in SERS agents and instrumentation are paving the way for targeted, multiplexed, and multimodal in vivo oncology imaging.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Optics
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles have emerged as powerful tools for preclinical cancer imaging due to their high sensitivity.
- SERS imaging provides capabilities for molecular targeting and enables multiplexed and multimodal imaging approaches.
- Recent advancements in SERS contrast agents and Raman imaging instrumentation have accelerated progress in this field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles of Raman scattering and SERS.
- To present recent advances in Raman instrumentation for cancer imaging.
- To discuss strategies for selective in vivo uptake of SERS agents for targeted imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of fundamental principles of Raman scattering and SERS.
- Analysis of recent developments in Raman imaging instrumentation.
- Discussion of biological approaches for targeted in vivo SERS agent delivery.
Main Results:
- SERS nanoparticles offer high sensitivity for molecularly targeted cancer imaging.
- Multiplexed and multimodal imaging capabilities are enhanced by SERS technology.
- Progress in instrumentation and contrast agent design is crucial for SERS efficacy.
Conclusions:
- SERS nanoparticles show significant promise for preclinical cancer imaging.
- Further research is needed to address challenges for clinical translation of SERS agents.
- Optimized instrumentation and targeted delivery are key for advancing in vivo SERS imaging in oncology.
