Pharmaceutical Characterization and Detection Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a surface sensitive method that results in the enhancement of Raman scattering by molecules adsorbed on rough metal surfaces. The enhancement factor can be as much as 107 -1015, which allows the technique to be sensitive enough to detect single molecules. The rapid growth of pharmaceutical industries worldwide demands continuous development of efficient characterization techniques to detect the presence of the molecules at extremely low concentrations. SERS allows fast, sensitive detection of trace levels of key pharma molecules. This review highlights the requirements for SERS and its applications for pharmaceutical characterization.