Iron Oxide-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Bioprobes for Detecting Tumor Cells in Serous Effusion.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Serous effusions (pleural effusion, ascites) are common in advanced cancers, and detecting tumor cells is vital for assessing metastasis.
• Current methods like cytology have limited sensitivity, and cell block technology requires large sample volumes.
• Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) offers a sensitive, noninvasive approach for liquid biopsies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel SERS bioprobe for precise identification and capture of tumor cells in serous effusions.
• To establish SERS classification models for semiquantitative assessment of tumor cell concentrations.
• To combine SERS bioprobes with machine learning for improved diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• A novel SERS bioprobe using a composite material was designed for molecular targeting and capture of tumor cells.
• SERS measurements were performed on serous effusion samples.
• Machine learning algorithms were employed to analyze Raman spectra, classify samples, and extract features.

Main Results:

• The SERS bioprobes demonstrated strong enhancement, spectral reproducibility, and molecular targeting, leading to enhanced detection specificity.
• SERS classification models enabled semiquantitative assessment of tumor cell concentrations in serous effusions.
• Machine learning significantly improved diagnostic accuracy by enabling rapid processing and classification of Raman spectra.

Conclusions:

• The combination of SERS bioprobes and machine learning provides a rapid, sensitive, and effective method for detecting tumor cells in serous effusions.
• This approach overcomes the limitations of conventional cytological detection, offering improved diagnostic capabilities for cancer metastasis.
• The technology allows for the assessment of tumor cell concentration ranges, aiding in cancer patient management.