Lasing emission spectroscopy for bioanalytics and biomedicine

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Spectroscopy
• Bioanalytical Chemistry

Background:

• Conventional fluorescence spectroscopy has limitations in sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio for bioanalytical detection.
• Lasing spectroscopy (LS) leverages stimulated emission and optical feedback for enhanced detection capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of lasing spectroscopy methodologies.
• To highlight emerging applications of LS in biomedical research and diagnostics.
• To discuss challenges and future perspectives for LS in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Review of various LS platforms, including amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), random lasing (RL), distributed-feedback gratings, nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA), Fabry–Pérot (FP) cavities, whispering-gallery-mode microresonators, and optofluidic droplet lasers.
• Structured discussion based on increasing optical and methodological complexity.
• Examination of LS applications in detecting biomolecular binding, conformational changes, and refractive-index variations.

Main Results:

• LS enables ultrasensitive bioanalytical detection with improved signal-to-noise ratios and narrow spectral linewidths.
• LS platforms can be engineered for specific bioanalytical tasks, from solid-state matrices to liquid-based resonators.
• Applications include early detection of protein aggregation, nucleic acid monitoring, cell diagnostics, and label-free biosensing.

Conclusions:

• Lasing spectroscopy is a powerful tool for sensitive bioanalytical detection and novel diagnostic strategies.
• Further development is needed to address challenges like dye photostability and standardization for clinical translation.
• LS holds significant promise for future diagnostics in neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, metabolic, and infectious diseases.