The book explores the phenomenon of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), the huge amplification of Raman signal from molecules in the proximity of a metallic nanostructured surface, allowing readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms affecting the spectroscopic response of SERS-active systems for effective applications. SERS spectroscopy is an ultrasensitive analytical technique with great potential for applications in the field of biophysics and nanomedicine. As examples, the author presents the design of nanocolloid-based SERS-active substrates for molecular sensing and of a folate-based SERS-active nanosensor capable of selectively interacting with cancer cells, enabling cancer diagnostics and therapy at the single-cell level. The author also suggests novel paths for the systematization of the SERS nanosystem design and experimental protocols to maximize sensitivity and reproducibility, which is essential when real-world biomedical applications arethe goal of the study. With a combined approach, both fundamental and applied, and a detailed analysis of the state of the art, this book provides a valuable overview both for students new to SERS spectroscopy and for experts in the field.

Nominated as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis by the Sapienza University, Rome, Italy Provides an instructive introduction to Raman- and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, including both theory and state of the art Features applications in different fields of biophysics, including nanomedicine Presents the design of a nanosensor for cancer diagnostics and therapy at the single-cell level Offers a step-by-step description of the adopted experimental and analytical protocols

Autorentext

Claudia Fasolato received her Master Degree in Condensed Matter Physics in October 2013. She started her Ph.D. in Sapienza University in November 2013 working on plasmonic nanoparticle assemblies for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy under the supervision of Prof. P. Postorino. In February 2017, she was awarded her Ph.D. in Physics summa cum laude. Since April 2017, she has worked as a postdoc in the Nanophononics Group of Prof. I. Zardo at the University of Basel.

Inhalt
Introduction.- Traditional Raman and SERS: fundamentals and state of the art.- Investigation on nanoparticles and their molecular functionalization.- Nanoparticle-based SERS substrates for molecular sensing applications.- SERS-active nanovectors for single-cell cancer screening and theranostics.- Conclusions.