Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: A novel diagnostic method for pathogenic organisms

The enormous economic burden and increasing public health threats associated with pathogenic organisms have necessitated the development of rapid bacterial identification platforms. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is considered one of the most promising pathogen diagnostic techniques. The method generates a unique and sensitive biomarker fingerprint that may be utilized for quick and multiplexed analysis on a portable platform. Herein, we have made a comprehensive review on the advances made in SERS. First, we briefly discussed the specific and non-specific capture of pathogens using the label-free method. Then, various label-based immunosensors and aptasensors that have been developed over the years for the detection of pathogenic organisms have been summarized. This review then focused on the combination of CRISPR/Cas assays and SERS techniques in the detection of pathogenic organisms. Next, we discussed recent applications of machine learning techniques in Raman signal analysis and their application in clinical medicine. Furthermore, various conditions that affect Raman signal effects and how to deal with such conditions were discussed. Finally, challenges, key points, and future outlooks for SERS application have been summarized.