SERS nanoparticles: a new optical detection modality for cancer diagnosis.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an optical detection technique that offers advantages over traditional assay detection technologies, such as fluorescence and chemiluminescence. These advantages include sensitivity, high levels of multiplexing, robustness and ability to perform detection in blood and other biological matrices. Here, we report on the growing field of SERS-active nanoparticles as a novel method for detection, with special emphasis on their use in the field of oncology. We discuss examples of SERS-active nanoparticles used in an assay for PSA, BRCA1 and Her-2, along with examples of nucleic-acid detection. We present data on a novel homogeneous, single-tube, rapid assay for nucleic acid detection and show how it will benefit the oncology community.