Department of Chemistry, Institute for Molecular Science and Fusion Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea

E-mail: ymjung@kangwon.ac.kr

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique that enables ultrasensitive detection of chemical and biological species. Owing to its exceptional sensitivity and molecular specificity, SERS has been widely utilized in diverse sensing applications, including the detection of heavy metals, disease biomarkers, and a variety of biomolecules. In particular, SERS-based biosensors have garnered significant attention in disease diagnostics, further benefiting from the nondestructive nature of the technique. To enhance detection performance, substantial efforts have been devoted to developing strategies that improve SERS sensitivity.

In our recent studies, we have developed a range of SERS-active substrates for biomolecular detection and demonstrated their versatility in highly sensitive SERS-based bioassays.^1-4 In addition, we introduced an advanced analytical approach for the precise characterization of mRNA therapeutics using deep-UV Raman spectroscopy combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS).⁵ To further investigate changes in specific Raman bands across different mRNA encapsulation states, we employed two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2T2D-COS). Notably, this work reveals the distribution of lipids and mRNA and represents the first application of 2T2D-COS for quantitative analysis.

In this presentation, recent advances in SERS-based bioassays for biomolecular analysis, highlighting their potential, versatility, and utility for ultrasensitive detection will be discussed. Furthermore, the application of 2D-COS in conjunction with deep-UV Raman spectroscopy for bioassays will be discussed.

References

2. Goldnanowire integrated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for multiplexed small extracellular vesicle analysis” Sens. Actuators B Chem. 2026, 464, 40152

3. SERS-Based Aptamer Sensing Strategy for Diabetes Biomarker Detection” Anal. Chem. 2024, 96, 20082−20089.

4. Ultrasensitive detection of prostate-specific antigen using a SERS-based magnetic immunosensor” Sens. Actuators B Chem. 2024, 413, 135865.

5. Highly selective and quantitative in situ monitoring of cell surface proteins by SERS immunoassay system” Biosens. Bioelectron. 2023, 234, 115366.

6. Encapsulation of mRNA in Therapeutics Like Lipid Nanoparticles Probed by Deep-UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy” Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 3523-3530