Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2025
07:54
Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
8.1K
Robust Synthesis of Targeting Glyco-nanoparticles for Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Based Image-Guided Tumor
Kunli Liu1,2, A K M Atique Ullah1,2, Aniwat Juhong2,3
1Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824 USA.
Small Science
|August 26, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed new, stable Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman (SERS) nanoparticles for sensitive detection. These nanoparticles, functionalized with hyaluronan, effectively targeted and visualized breast cancer in mice, guiding surgical removal.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman (SERS) spectroscopy offers high sensitivity but suffers from nanoparticle aggregation and reduced enhancement under physiological conditions.
- Current SERS nanoparticles (NPs) often exhibit suboptimal performance, limiting their practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop robust, stable SERS nanoparticles with uniform size for enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
- To create a targeting strategy for SERS nanoparticles to visualize and aid in the surgical removal of tumors.
- To establish an algorithm for multiplex detection using SERS nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- A one-pot synthesis method was employed to create 50 nm SERS nanoparticles with uniform core diameters.
- A liposome-based approach was used to attach hyaluronan (HA) ligands to the SERS nanoparticles, creating HA-SERS-NPs.
- An algorithm was developed for unmixing multiple SERS nanoparticle signals.
- In vivo studies involved visualizing spontaneously developed breast cancer in mice using HA-SERS-NPs.
Main Results:
- The synthesized SERS-NPs demonstrated colloidal stability, uniform size, and high brightness, enabling detection at low femtomolar sensitivity.
- The HA-SERS-NPs exhibited enhanced binding affinity to CD44 receptors overexpressed on tumor cells.
- Multiplex detection was enabled through an accurate signal unmixing algorithm.
- Real-time visualization of breast cancer in mice was achieved, guiding complete tumor removal.
Conclusions:
- The developed SERS nanoparticles offer improved stability and sensitivity for Raman spectroscopy.
- Glyco-SERS nanoparticles functionalized with hyaluronan show significant potential for targeted cancer imaging and surgical guidance.
- The combination of SERS technology, targeting ligands, and advanced algorithms holds translational potential for clinical applications.
