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Review
. 2024 Jan 10;14(1):33.
doi: 10.3390/bios14010033.

Advancing Brain Research through Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): Current Applications and Future Prospects

Suzan Elsheikh  1 , Nathan P Coles  1 , Ojodomo J Achadu  1   2 , Panagiota S Filippou  1   2 , Ahmad A Khundakar  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Advancing Brain Research through Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): Current Applications and Future Prospects

Suzan Elsheikh et al. Biosensors (Basel). .

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has recently emerged as a potent analytical technique with significant potential in the field of brain research. This review explores the applications and innovations of SERS in understanding the pathophysiological basis and diagnosis of brain disorders. SERS holds significant advantages over conventional Raman spectroscopy, particularly in terms of sensitivity and stability. The integration of label-free SERS presents promising opportunities for the rapid, reliable, and non-invasive diagnosis of brain-associated diseases, particularly when combined with advanced computational methods such as machine learning. SERS has potential to deepen our understanding of brain diseases, enhancing diagnosis, monitoring, and therapeutic interventions. Such advancements could significantly enhance the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and further our understanding of brain-related processes and diseases. This review assesses the utility of SERS in diagnosing and understanding the pathophysiological basis of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, stroke, and brain cancer. Recent technological advances in SERS instrumentation and techniques are discussed, including innovations in nanoparticle design, substrate materials, and imaging technologies. We also explore prospects and emerging trends, offering insights into new technologies, while also addressing various challenges and limitations associated with SERS in brain research.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s; SERS; biomarkers; brain; brain cancer; neuropathology.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) utility for a variety of brain disease diagnosis. SERS Raman spectroscopy enables the detection of biomolecular changes and combined machine learning techniques may improve the diagnostic performance. Created with BioRender.com; https://www.biorender.com, accessed on 16 November 2023.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Concept and characterization for in vivo imaging of brain pathology using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS); for example, here, using surface-enhanced spatially offset resonance Raman spectroscopy (SESORRS) technology. This setup includes an XYZ translational stage, a laser positioned at a 45° angle relative to the collection optics, and a Raman spectrometer. Created with BioRender.com: https://www.biorender.com, accessed on 16 November 2023.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Labeled surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based immunoassays for biomarker detection in biofluids for disease diagnostics. SERS-based immunoassay of protein (antigen) carried out by depositing biofluid samples on the Au substrate for immunocapture of the target antigen. SERS measurements performed in the antibody–antigen immunocomplexes. Created with BioRender.com: https://www.biorender.com, accessed on 16 November 2023.
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