Biomedical SERS - the current state and future trends.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly sensitive and specific analytical technique.
• Portable Raman systems and tailored sample preparation enable point-of-care-testing (POCT).
• Stable SERS-active surfaces are available for complex biological matrices like body fluids and cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current SERS protocols for sample collection and pretreatment in biomedical applications.
• To summarize SERS detection schemes, including direct, indirect, targeted, and non-targeted methods.
• To highlight recent advances in SERS for disease diagnostics and drug monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on SERS sample handling and preparation techniques.
• Analysis of different SERS detection strategies and active sensing surfaces.
• Compilation of SERS applications in infectious diseases, cancer diagnostics, and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Main Results:

• SERS is a viable tool for POCT in biomedicine with appropriate sample preparation and sensing surfaces.
• Various SERS detection schemes and substrates are suitable for different biological samples.
• SERS shows significant progress in diagnosing diseases and monitoring drug levels.

Conclusions:

• This review provides a guide to selecting optimal SERS protocols, substrates, and detection strategies for specific biomedical applications.
• SERS technology is advancing for widespread use in clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine.
• Understanding SERS methodologies is crucial for its effective implementation in healthcare settings.