SERS Tags: Novel Optical Nanoprobes for Bioanalysis

Abstract

CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1.1. Fundamental Theory of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering 1.2. Optical Properties of SERS Tags 2. Synthesis of SERS Tags 2.1. Noble Metal Nanosubstrates 2.1.1. Single Particle-Based SERS Substrates 2.1.2. Nanoparticle Cluster-Based Substrates 2.2. Raman Reporter Molecules 2.2.1. Selection Principles and Reporter Types 2.2.2. Self-Assembled Monolayer Coverage Strategy 2.3. Surface Coating for Protection 2.3.1. Biomolecule Coating 2.3.2. Polymer Coating 2.3.3. Liposome Coating 2.3.4. Silica Coating 2.4. Attachment of Targeting Molecules 3. Bioanalysis Applications 3.1. Ionic and Molecular Detection 3.2. Pathogen Detection 3.3. Live-Cell Imaging 3.3.1. Cancer Marker Detection 3.3.2. Intercellular Microenvironment Sensing 3.4. Tissue SERS Imaging 3.5. In Vivo SERS Imaging 4. Challenges and Perspectives 4.1. Reproducible Signal of SERS Tags 4.1.1. Precisely Controlled Hot Spots for Nanosubstrates 4.1.2. Calibration of SERS Intensities and Enhancements 4.2. Improving Multiplexing Capability 4.3. Reduced Size for Subcellular Imaging 4.4. Development of Multifunctional Nanoplatforms 4.4.1. Magnetic SERS Dots 4.4.2. Multimodal Imaging Dots 4.4.3. SERS Tag-Based Therapeutic Systems 4.5. Biocompatibility 5. Conclusions and Remarks