Nano/Micromotor-Driven SERS for Highly Sensitive and Spatially Controlled Sensing

Nano/micromotors (NMs) are tiny structures capable of converting various forms of energy into mechanical motion at the micro and nanoscale. These motors operate in environments characterized by low inertia and low Reynolds numbers. The potential applications of NMs are vast, particularly in the fields of biomedicine and environmental science. One of the most intriguing developments in this field is the integration of NMs with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. SERS is a powerful analytical technique that enhances the Raman intensity of molecules, allowing for highly sensitive detection and analysis of trace amounts of substances. This integration offers highly precise and localized ultrasensing capabilities. The combination of NMs with SERS can also facilitate real-time imaging inside living organisms. This has immense potential in chemical and cell biology and medical diagnostics and prognosis. Herein this review describes the types of NMs and their fabrication, the incorporation of plasmonic nanostructures, capable of creating strong electromagnetic fields when illuminated by light, which in turn enhances the Raman signals significantly, their applications, and their future prospects in areas such as precision medicine, environmental monitoring, and possibly even in new realms like microscale robotics and targeted therapeutics. This review investigates the synergistic integration of SERS and nano/micromotors, showcasing their combined applications in bioanalytical sensing, environmental monitoring, and nanoscale imaging. Furthermore, future prospects and challenges are discussed, emphasizing the crucial role of ongoing research in fully realizing the potential of SERS and nano/micromotors.image