Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Biochemical Applications

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is achieved when an analyte is adsorbed onto or in close proximity to a prepared roughened metal surface (primarily gold or silver) in a process which greatly enhances the Raman emission. SERS provides high sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity to the field of biomolecule detection and identification, and a range of diseases can be detected. Of particular interest is the development of SERS tags for cancer detection, as well as SERS-labeled antibodies in SERS immunoassays for protein localization in blood plasma/serum or tissue. The suitability of SERS for biochemical diagnostics and future implementation in a clinical practice is promising.