Modular Micro Raman Reader Instrument for Fast SERS-Based Detection of Biomarkers

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Sensitive biomarker detection is crucial for disease diagnosis and management.
• Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers superior sensitivity and low detection limits compared to other methods.
• SERS is ideal for developing multiplexed bioassays and point-of-care diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a portable, automated instrument for SERS-based bioassays.
• To enable high-throughput screening of disease biomarkers at the point-of-care.
• To improve the speed and reliability of diagnostic testing.

Main Methods:

• Designed and built a modular Raman reader (mRR) using commercially available components.
• Developed dedicated software for automated sample screening and data analysis.
• Utilized a sandwich immunoassay on gold substrates with modified gold nanoparticles as SERS tags.

Main Results:

• The mRR system automates measurements, reducing human bias and increasing data collection/analysis speed by approximately 2000 times.
• Achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.41 µg/mL for a MUC4-specific immunoassay (iSERS).
• Demonstrated the capability for fast and automated measurements of immunoassay samples.

Conclusions:

• The custom-built modular Raman reader (mRR) is a viable tool for automated, high-throughput SERS bioassays.
• The developed system enhances point-of-care diagnostics by providing rapid and reliable biomarker detection.
• The mRR system has the potential to significantly improve disease monitoring and diagnosis accessibility.