Silent region barcode particle arrays for ultrasensitive multiplexed SERS detection

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Current fluorescence suspension arrays face limitations in multiplexing capacity and detection sensitivity.
• Raman spectroscopy shows promise but is hindered by complex spectra and weak signal intensity in suspension arrays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an ultrasensitive Raman suspension array system overcoming current limitations.
• To enable multiplexed detection of cancer biomarkers using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).

Main Methods:

• Constructed a Raman suspension array using plasmonic microbeads as barcode substrates and gold nanoflowers as reporter carriers.
• Utilized synergistic SERS effects from plasmonic shells and gold nanoflower nanostructures.
• Optimized Raman-coding intensity levels in silent spectral regions.

Main Results:

• Achieved significant surface enhancement Raman scattering (SERS) through optimized shell morphology and plasmonic microbead composition.
• Demonstrated ultrasensitive detection of 5-plexed lung cancer markers.
• Showed good consistency with electrochemiluminescence methods in patient serum samples.

Conclusions:

• Developed a silent region SERS barcode-based suspension array, advancing multiplexed biodetection.
• This system offers a powerful tool for early disease screening and diagnosis.
• The technology overcomes previous limitations in Raman suspension arrays for enhanced sensitivity and multiplexing.