Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method and instrumentation for genomics and biomedical analysis

The development of a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method and instrument for use in biomedical and genomics analysis is described. The technology uses DNA gene probes based on SERS labels for gene detection and DNA mapping. The detection method uses nanostructured metallic substrates as SERS-active platforms. The surface-enhanced Raman gene (SERGen) probes can be used to detect DNA targets via hybridization to DNA sequences complementary to these probes. The probes do not require the use of radioactive labels and have great potential to provide both sensitivity and selectivity. Advanced instrumental systems designed for point-source spectral measurements and for multi-spectral imaging (MSI) are described. The MSI concept allows receding the entire SERS spectrum for every pixel on the two-dimensional hybridization platform in the field of view with the use of a rapid-scanning solid-state device, such as the acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF). The usefulness of the SERGen approach and its applications in biomedical diagnostics, high-throughput analysis and DNA mapping and sequencing are discussed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Duke Scholars

Author Tuan Vo-Dinh Biomedical Engineering