Themed collection 150th Anniversary Collection: Raman Spectroscopy and SERS
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Semiconductor-based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS): from active materials to performance improvement
We review the recent progress in semiconductor-based SERS. We mainly discuss the enhancement mechanism, SERS-active materials for semiconductors, and potential strategies to improve the SERS performance.
Analyst, 2022,147, 1257-1272
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN02165F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Surface enhanced Raman scattering for the multiplexed detection of pathogenic microorganisms: towards point-of-use applications
In this review we discuss surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based techniques for the multiplexed detection of pathogenic microorganisms and their transition into point-of-use detection technologies in the field.
Analyst, 2021,146, 6084-6101
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN00865J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Live chicken egg embryos as an alternative in vivo tumour model for deep surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
SERS and SESORS for the detection and localisation of AuNPs in a live chick embryo tumour model.
Analyst, 2024,149, 3513-3517
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4AN00617H
Improved discrimination of phenylalanine enantiomers by surface enhanced Raman scattering assay: molecular insight into chiral interaction
Chiral interaction-based SERS discrimination of phenylalanine (Phe) enantiomers, with the Raman scattering enhancement degree of D-Phe being 50-fold greater than that of L-Phe.
Analyst, 2022,147, 1540-1543
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2AN00246A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Characterization of vaginal Lactobacillus in biologically relevant fluid using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and partial least squares regression was utilized to determine the dominant bacteria in mixtures of two common vaginal microbes in both pure and complex fluids.
Analyst, 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4AN00854E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Using surface-enhanced Raman scattering for simultaneous multiplex detection and quantification of thiols associated to axillary malodour
SERS in combination with chemometric techniques has been used to simultaneously detect and quantify malodourous thiols which are associated with axillary malodour in multiplex solutions.
Analyst, 2024,149, 3989-4001
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4AN00762J
Metabolic profiling of murine radiation-induced lung injury with Raman spectroscopy and comparative machine learning
A cohort of control/irradiated mice were metabolically profiled, via Raman spectrocopy, for associations with radiation-induced lung injury (RILI). Machine learning methods revealed disease-associated metabolites.
Analyst, 2024,149, 2864-2876
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4AN00152D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Advanced portable micro-SORS prototype coupled with SERDS for heritage science
Development of an advanced portable micro-SORS prototype combined with SERDS.
Analyst, 2024,149, 2317-2327
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN02215C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A 3D printed sheath flow interface for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection in flow
A 3D printed flow cell for SERS detection was developed that incorporated sheath flow to confine analytes near the SERS substrate. The device was optimized by analyzing both molecules and particles with and without sheath flow for SERS detection.
Analyst, 2024,149, 1849-1860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN02125D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Glucose sandwich assay based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
A sandwich assay format was developed to detect glucose in a simple, sensitive and selective manner. Using SERS-based glucose sandwich assays, the utility, specificity and sensitivity of this strategy was demonstrated.
Analyst, 2023,148, 4310-4317
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00481C
Intraoperative assessment of resection margins by Raman spectroscopy to guide oral cancer surgery
Raman spectroscopic technology for quick and accurate assessment of tumor resection margins.
Analyst, 2023,148, 4116-4126
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00650F
Identification of bacteria in mixed infection from urinary tract of patient's samples using Raman analysis of dried droplets
Raman spectroscopy approach based on dried droplets, for mixed UTI bacterial pathogens identification.
Analyst, 2023,148, 3806-3816
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00679D
Quantitative fat analysis of milk using a line-illumination spatially offset Raman probe through carton packaging
Milk is a popular dairy product that provides various nutrients, but consuming too much saturated fat from milk can increase the risk of diseases and obesity.
Analyst, 2023,148, 3321-3329
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00416C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Evaluating nanoparticle localisation in glioblastoma multicellular tumour spheroids by surface enhanced Raman scattering
Combining SERS and immunohistochemistry provides greater insight into how AuNPs distribute in in vitro 3D MTS models.
Analyst, 2023,148, 3247-3256
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00751K
Saline dry fixation for improved cell composition analysis using Raman spectroscopy
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of primary human T-cell spectra showed clear separation of different fixatives. Saline dry-fixed cell spectra showed better preservation of donor-to donor variability and improved retention of Raman band shapes.
Analyst, 2023,148, 2745-2757
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2AN01916G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
In vivo Raman spectroscopy in the diagnostics of colon cancer
In vivo Raman spectroscopy coupled with machine learning methods was used for tissue diagnostics of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the colon and rectum.
Analyst, 2023,148, 2518-2526
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00103B
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Understanding radiation response and cell cycle variation in brain tumour cells using Raman spectroscopy
The use of Raman spectroscopy to determine the radiation response of human glioma cells and how this response differs depending on the cell's position in the cell cycle.
Analyst, 2023,148, 2594-2608
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00121K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Probing the interaction of ex situ biofilms with plasmonic metal nanoparticles using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Ex situ biofilm samples were used to study the interactions between SERS-enhancing Ag and Au particles and biofilm components without the complexity associated with highly structured in situ biofilms.
Analyst, 2023,148, 2002-2011
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00301A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
High-throughput Raman spectroscopy allows ex vivo characterization of murine small intestinal intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL)
Intestinal inflammation-driving T cells within the epithelial layer of the small intestine can be identified and further characterized by Raman spectroscopy ex vivo.
Analyst, 2023,148, 1978-1990
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00074E
Chemical conjugation to differentiate monosaccharides by Raman and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Chemical conjugation enables SERS detection of sugars that are important in numerous biological processes, from providing energy to modifying proteins to alter their function.
Analyst, 2023,148, 2035-2044
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2AN01762H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Rapid detection and quantification of paracetamol and its major metabolites using surface enhanced Raman scattering
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an over the counter drug that is often used in suicide attempts. We have developed a SERS based assay that allows for the quantification of paracetamol and its three major metabolites.
Analyst, 2023,148, 1805-1814
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AN00249G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Radiation treatment response and hypoxia biomarkers revealed by machine learning assisted Raman spectroscopy in tumour cells and xenograft tissues
GBR-NMF-RF-SHAP model helped identify a wide range of radiation response biomarkers and hypoxia indicators (e.g., glycogen, lipids, DNA, amino acids) in Raman spectra acquired from H460 human lung cancer cells and H460 xenografts.
Analyst, 2022,147, 5091-5104
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2AN01222G
Ultrasensitive detection of multiple Alzheimer's disease biomarkers by SERS-LFA
A lateral flow assay, based on Surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanotags (SERS-LFA), is proposed for simultaneous quantification of multiple AD biomarkers with high sensitivity.
Analyst, 2022,147, 4124-4131
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2AN00717G
Ultra-high SERS detection of consumable coloring agents using plasmonic gold nanostars with high aspect-ratio spikes
Solution-based SERS detection by using a portable Raman instrument has emerged as an important tool due to its simplicity, and flexibility for rapid and on-site screening of analyte molecules.
Analyst, 2022,147, 3340-3349
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2AN00794K
In situ SERS monitoring of intracellular H2O2 in single living cells based on label-free bifunctional Fe3O4@Ag nanoparticles
Intracellular H2O2 in single living cells was visualized by SERS technology using label-free bifunctional Fe3O4@Ag nanoparticles with ultra-sensitivity.
Analyst, 2022,147, 1815-1823
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2AN00035K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A multi-modal exploration of heterogeneous physico–chemical properties of DCIS breast microcalcifications
Combined crystallographic and spectroscopic methods were used to investigate the heterogeneity of breast calcifications found associated with ductal carcinoma in situ, revealing distinctive patterns in protein distribution and mineral composition.
Analyst, 2022,147, 1641-1654
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN01548F
A microscopic survey on microplastics in beverages: the case of beer, mineral water and tea
Beer, mineral water and tea are all polluted with microplastics without exception, which is discovered in a microscopic survey.
Analyst, 2022,147, 1099-1105
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2AN00083K
In situ assessment of mitochondrial respiratory activity and lipid metabolism of mouse oocytes using resonance Raman spectroscopy
The respiratory activity and lipid metabolism depending on the degree of oocyte maturation can be assessed using resonance Raman spectroscopy in a non-invasive manner.
Analyst, 2021,146, 7265-7273
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN01106E
Characterization of ovarian cancer-derived extracellular vesicles by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
EVs derived from normal ovarian (hIOSE) and ovarian cancer (OVCAR3, OV-90, EOC6, EOC18) cells were analysed by SERS. The SERS spectra of normal and cancer EVs were differentiated by PCA and machine learning, through which we achieved >99% accuracy.
Analyst, 2021,146, 7194-7206
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN01586A
Dual-targeting SERS-encoded graphene oxide nanocarrier for intracellular co-delivery of doxorubicin and 9-aminoacridine with enhanced combination therapy
A multifunctional nanocarrier based on SERS traceable and dual-targeted graphene oxide for the dual-drug delivery with enhanced combinational therapy.
Analyst, 2021,146, 6893-6901
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN01237A
SERS and MALDI-TOF MS based plasma exosome profiling for rapid detection of osteosarcoma
Identification of osteosarcoma by combining SERS with MALDI-TOF MS profiling of plasma-derived exosomes.
Analyst, 2021,146, 6496-6505
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN01163D
Micro-Raman spectroscopy of lipid halo and dense-core amyloid plaques: aging process characterization in the Alzheimer's disease APPswePS1ΔE9 mouse model
Hyperspectral Raman imaging of amyloid plaques and lipid halo in the brains of mice were able to differentiate control, young and aged Alzheimer's disease transgenic mouse models.
Analyst, 2021,146, 6014-6025
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN01078F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Rapid ultra-sensitive diagnosis of clostridium difficile infection using a SERS-based lateral flow assay
Duplex SERS-based lateral flow testing for C. diff bacterial infection using new biomarker, SlpA, and ToxB within 20 minutes.
Analyst, 2021,146, 4495-4505
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN00726B
Spatially offset Raman scattering line-mapping as a potential tool for particle size analysis
A spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) line-mapping scheme was explored as a tool for the measurement of particle size.
Analyst, 2021,146, 3666-3672
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN00246E
Nonlinear and vibrational microscopy for label-free characterization of amyloid-β plaques in Alzheimer's disease model
Multimodal optical imaging was used for characterization of amyloid-β plaques in mouse brain tissues. We obtained high-resolution images for different biomarkers and investigated vibrational fingerprints that could be used for diagnostic purposes.
Analyst, 2021,146, 2945-2954
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1AN00074H
Optimization of gold nanorod arrays for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection of atrazine
Modified gold nanorod arrays are used as SERS substrates for the detection of atrazine.
Analyst, 2021,146, 2037-2047
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN02215B
Metabolism in action: stable isotope probing using vibrational spectroscopy and SIMS reveals kinetic and metabolic flux of key substrates
Raman and infrared are used to measure dynamics in bacterial metabolism by employing stable isotope probing with temporal acquisition. The work is complemented by SIMS for confirmation of 13C incorporation into bacterial biomass.
Analyst, 2021,146, 1734-1746
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN02319A
Filter paper based SERS substrate for the direct detection of analytes in complex matrices
Spray coating paper with plasmonic aggregates/hydroxyethylcellulose solution allows fabrication of cheap SERS active substrates for direct analysis of protein/mud samples.
Analyst, 2021,146, 1281-1288
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN02103B
Nondestructive molecular imaging by Raman spectroscopy vs. marker detection by MALDI IMS for an early diagnosis of HCC
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with a steadily increasing mortality rate.
Analyst, 2021,146, 1239-1252
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN01555E
About this collection
Raman is an extremely powerful molecularly specific analytical technique that can be used for many different applications from reaction monitoring to materials characterisation to label-free imaging for biomedical applications. In combination with surface enhancement (SERS) it can also be an extremely sensitive technique allowing for the detection of trace species and bioanalytical sensor development, making it an extremely versatile and powerful approach with many analytical applications. This collection of recently-published papers has been selected to show the broad impact and high quality of Raman and SERS research as we approach Analyst’s 150th anniversary in 2025. In addition to the upcoming journal anniversary, 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the first observation of the SERS effect. We hope you enjoy this collection as it grows during 2024 with the addition of new papers specifically invited for this celebratory collection.
This collection is Guest Edited by Analyst Associate Editor Karen Faulds (University of Strathclyde, UK), Katsumasa Fujita (Osaka University, Japan), Pavel Matousek (Ruthford Appleton Laboratory, UK), Zachary Schultz (Ohio State University, USA).