SERS-based approaches in the investigation of bacterial metabolism, antibiotic resistance, and species identification.

Journal: Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy
Published Date: Mar 13, 2025

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an inelastic scattering phenomenon that occurs when photons interact with substances, providing detailed molecular structure information. It exhibits various advantages including high sensitivity, specificity, and multiple-detection capabilities, which make it particularly effective in bacterial detection and antibiotic resistance research. In this review, we review the recent development of SERS-based approaches in the investigation of bacterial metabolism, antibiotic resistance, and species identification. Although the promising applications have been realized in clinical microbiology and diagnostics, several challenges still limit the further development, including signal variability, the complexity of spectral data interpretation, and the lack of standardized protocols. To overcome these obstacles, more reproducible and standardized methodologies, particularly in nanomaterial design and experimental condition optimization. Furthermore, the integration of SERS with machine learning and artificial intelligence can automate spectral analysis, improving the efficiency and accuracy of bacterial species identification, resistance marker detection, and metabolic monitoring. Combining SERS with other analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry, fluorescence microscopy, or genomic sequencing, could provide a more comprehensive understanding of bacterial physiology and resistance mechanisms. As SERS technology advances, its applications are expected to extend beyond traditional microbiology to areas like environmental monitoring, food safety, and personalized medicine. In particular, the potential for SERS to be integrated into point-of-care diagnostic devices offers significant promise for enhancing diagnostics in resource-limited settings, providing cost-effective, rapid, and accessible solutions for bacterial infection and resistance detection.

Authors

  • Zhun Nie
    Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Hainan Trauma and Disaster Rescue, Key Laboratory of Haikou Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; Engineering Research Center for Hainan Bio-Smart Materials and Bio-Medical Devices, Key Laboratory of Hainan Functional Materials and Molecular Imaging, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
  • Zhijun Huang
    Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Hainan Trauma and Disaster Rescue, Key Laboratory of Haikou Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; Engineering Research Center for Hainan Bio-Smart Materials and Bio-Medical Devices, Key Laboratory of Hainan Functional Materials and Molecular Imaging, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
  • Zhongying Wu
    Fujian Key Laboratory of Automotive Electronics and Electric Drive, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, China.
  • Yanlong Xing
    Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Hainan Trauma and Disaster Rescue, Key Laboratory of Haikou Trauma, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; Engineering Research Center for Hainan Bio-Smart Materials and Bio-Medical Devices, Key Laboratory of Hainan Functional Materials and Molecular Imaging, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China. Electronic address: xingyanlong@muhn.edu.cn.
  • Fabiao Yu
    Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China.
  • Rui Wang
    Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.

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