ISERS Microscopy for Tissue-Based Cancer Diagnostics with SERS Nanotags

Abstract

Immuno-SERS (iSERS)Immuno-SERS (iSERS) microscopyImmuno-SERS (iSERS) Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Cancer diagnostics is an emerging imaging technique in tissue-based cancer diagnostics, which is based on antibodiesAntibodies labelled with SERS-active noble metal nanoparticlesNoble metal nanoparticles (NPs) in conjunction with Raman microspectroscopy for localizing target proteins. Advantages of SERS over existing labeling approaches include its high capacity for spectral multiplexing (parallel detection of target molecules), quantification (based on the characteristic SERS signatures), high photostability (no or minimal photobleaching), minimization of autofluorescence from biological specimens (via red to near-infrared excitation), and the technical advantage of using only a single laser excitation line. In this book chapter, we will first give a very brief tutorial on the fundamentals of SERS, followed by an introduction into the concept and current designs of target-specific SERS probes based on noble metal NPs. Next, the fast developing applications of iSERS microscopy for tissue-based cancer diagnostics are highlighted, and finally the challenges and future perspectives of this emerging field are presented.