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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Exploring the Application of Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering-based Biosensing of Individual sEVs in Disease Diagnosis and Therapeutics
Published on: March 13, 2026
Revolutionizing dermatological diagnostics: emerging surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy for early-stage detection
Mohamed T Patel1,2, Jarrod L Thomas1,2, Adrian H M Heagerty3,4
1Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Centre, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offers a sensitive, noninvasive method for diagnosing skin diseases. This review explores SERS advancements for early detection of skin cancers and infections, aiming for personalized dermatological care.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Conventional dermatological diagnostics face limitations in invasiveness and subjective interpretation.
- There is a global need for rapid, accessible, and real-time diagnostic solutions for skin diseases affecting billions.
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) presents a promising ultra-sensitive, noninvasive technology for molecular marker detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the integration of SERS into dermatological diagnostics.
- To highlight recent advancements in SERS biosensing platforms, nanostructure engineering, and point-of-care devices for skin disease detection.
- To discuss the role of AI in SERS data analysis for improved clinical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on SERS applications in dermatology.
- Examination of innovative SERS methodologies, including microneedle biosensors and microfluidic systems.
- Analysis of AI-driven spectral analysis for SERS data interpretation.
Main Results:
- SERS biosensors show potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy in early-stage skin cancers, microbial infections, and inflammatory dermatoses.
- AI-driven spectral analysis improves the interpretability of SERS data and aids clinical decision-making.
- Challenges in substrate reproducibility, clinical standardization, and device scalability were identified.
Conclusions:
- SERS is a transformative technology poised to redefine dermatological care.
- Portable, low-cost SERS platforms can enable continuous skin health monitoring and personalized diagnostics.
- Bridging laboratory innovations with clinical applications is crucial for advancing SERS in precision medicine.
