Insights of Surface Enhancing Raman Spectroscopy for Biomedical Application

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful, non-invasive analytical technique that enables rapid identification of molecules based on their unique spectral fingerprints. Its sensitivity has been significantly enhanced through the use of metal nanoparticles in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), where molecules adsorbed on rough metallic surfaces or colloids produce Raman signals amplified by several orders of magnitude. This enhancement has opened new possibilities for molecular detection, particularly in surface chemistry and biomedical diagnostics.

In clinical applications, timely and accurate diagnosis is critical, yet conventional bioanalytical methods often require multiple biochemical tests, leading to delays that are especially problematic in emergency settings. SERS provides a promising alternative, offering high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid analysis with minimal sample preparation.

This review explores the integration of Raman spectroscopy—especially SERS—for both in vivo and ex vivo biomedical diagnostics. It covers sample preparation techniques, spectral data interpretation, and the correlation of Raman signals with disease-specific biomarkers. Special focus is given to the application of Raman-based methods in diagnosing brain disorders, various cancers, drug abuse, and COVID-19. Finally, the article discusses future prospects and challenges to guide the continued advancement of biomedical Raman technologies.