Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Applications in Lateral Flow Assays
Summary
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a transformative readout modality for lateral flow assays (LFAs), overcoming the sensitivity limits of conventional colourimetric tests while retaining their simplicity and low cost. By integrating metal nanoparticle-based SERS nanotags into the nitrocellulose strip, analyte binding events generate intense, fingerprint-specific Raman signals that can be quantified at trace levels. This approach delivers rapid, ultrasensitive detection of proteins, pathogens and small molecules in complex matrices such as serum, environmental samples or food extracts. Advances in nanoparticle engineering, reporter chemistry and portable Raman instrumentation have further enabled multiplexed assays and true point-of-care operation. Taken together, SERS-LFAs bridge the gap between high-performance laboratory diagnostics and decentralised, field-ready testing platforms with global relevance for infectious disease monitoring, environmental surveillance and personalised medicine.
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Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Applications in Lateral Flow Assays publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy applications in lateral flow assays across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Lateral flow assay (LFA): A paper-based strip test that uses capillary action to transport fluid and detect analytes via immobilised capture reagents.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): A technique that amplifies Raman scattering signals of molecules adsorbed on nanostructured metal surfaces, enabling ultrasensitive detection.
SERS nanotag: A nanoparticle label functionalised with a Raman-active reporter and biorecognition molecules for signal generation in SERS-based assays.
Raman reporter molecule: A chemical compound with a distinct Raman fingerprint used to encode capture events on SERS nanotags.
Limit of detection (LOD): The smallest concentration of an analyte that can be reliably distinguished from a blank measurement.
Portable Raman spectrometer: A compact device that acquires Raman spectra in non-laboratory settings, facilitating point-of-care or field diagnostics.
References
- Digital Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy–Lateral Flow Test Dipstick: Ultrasensitive, Rapid Virus Quantification in Environmental Dust. Environmental Science and Technology (2024).
- Dual-mode SERS-based lateral flow assay strips for simultaneous diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza a virus. Nano Convergence (2022).
- Simultaneous Detection of Inflammatory Biomarkers by SERS Nanotag-Based Lateral Flow Assay with Portable Cloud Raman Spectrometer. Nanomaterials (2021).
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