Multifunctional nanophotonic photoacoustic biosensors: a new era in molecular imaging-guided deep-tissue cancer monitoring.

Journal: Methods (San Diego, Calif.)
Published Date: Jun 16, 2025

Abstract

Monitoring cancer therapy is difficult because of restricted imaging depth, inadequate molecular specificity, and delayed response evaluation. Moreover, conventional imaging techniques fail to provide high-resolution, real-time views of the dynamic tumor microenvironment during therapy. Among emerging technologies, nanophotonic photoacoustic biosensors have gained prominence as multifunctional platforms that enable real-time, non-invasive imaging and dynamic monitoring of cancer therapy. This review discusses advances in nanophotonic engineering, including plasmonic nanostructures, NIR-II fluorophore-integrated systems, SERS-active materials, fiber-optic probes, and hybrid nanosystems, all tailored to enhance molecular targeting and signal specificity. In addition, biomimetic and biologically inspired nanosystems with enhanced tissue penetration and reduced autofluorescence in the NIR-II spectrum can be specifically highlighted. The key aspects of clinical translation are examined including biosafety, molecular specificity, and scalability. Furthermore, further explore the convergence of these biosensors with artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) frameworks to support adaptive, patient-specific decision-making in oncology. As a result of these multifunctional systems that combine nanophotonics, machine learning, and molecular diagnostics, oncology could shift towards precision-guided treatment. Finally, it proposes strategic avenues for clinical adoption, placing PAS at the vanguard of the next generation of cancer diagnostics.

Authors

  • Bakr Ahmed Taha
    Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, cFaculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia.
  • Ghassan M Sulaiman
    Department of Biotechnology, College of Applied Sciences, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq. Electronic address: ghassan.m.sulaiman@uotechnology.edu.iq.
  • Ali J Addie
    Center of Industrial Applications and Materials Technology, Scientific Research Commission, Baghdad 10070, Iraq. Electronic address: ali.jaddie@yahoo.com.
  • Khalil A A Khalil
    Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, 61922 P.O. Box 551, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hodeidah University, Hodeidah, Yemen.
  • Elsadig M Ahmed
    Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 255, Bisha 67714, Saudi Arabia.
  • Vishal Chaudhary
    Research Cell and Department of Physics, Bhagini Nivedita College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
  • Norhana Arsad
    Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia UKM, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia.

Keywords

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