Biomedical SERS studies using nanoshells

Abstract

There is a need in biomedical sciences for improved techniques for monitoring biomolecular interactions and physiological processes, especially those which can report in real time. New techniques may find use in (for example) live-cell imaging or in vitro diagnostics - one such technique is surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). While SERS has been demonstrated using a variety of metal surfaces this chapter focuses on applications which use nanoshells, a type of engineered nanoparticle. We focus on biological applications of SERS, illustrating the discussion with examples of investigations of biomolecular conformational changes, biomolecular interactions, and intracellular studies.