Advancing SERS as a quantitative technique: challenges, considerations, and correlative approaches to aid validation

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful technique for chemical detection, cellular imaging, and medical diagnostics.
• Despite its high sensitivity and specificity, SERS is largely confined to academic research due to measurement variability.
• Inconsistent results stem from poorly characterized substrates, lack of universal calibration, and uncorrelated data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the reproducibility challenges hindering the routine adoption of SERS as a gold standard analytical technique.
• To explore methods for reducing variations in SERS measurements.
• To suggest best practices for achieving absolute quantification using SERS.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on SERS substrate characterization and calibration methods.
• Analysis of strategies employed to enhance the reproducibility of SERS signals.
• Discussion of validation approaches for SERS data against established techniques.

Main Results:

• Identified key factors contributing to SERS variability, including substrate quality and calibration inconsistencies.
• Highlighted various techniques and protocols aimed at improving SERS signal reproducibility.
• Emphasized the need for standardized methodologies and validation for reliable SERS quantification.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of SERS substrates and calibration is crucial for reliable analytical applications.
• Implementing best practices can significantly enhance the reproducibility and validation of SERS results.
• Overcoming current limitations will pave the way for SERS to become a routine analytical tool.