Rapid multiplexed molecular phenotyping of ex vivo and in vivo tissues with targeted SERS NPs

We are developing a miniature fiber-optic spectral-detection device and topical-staining protocol to rapidly detect multiplexed surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles (NPs) targeted to cell-surface biomarkers in fresh tissues. Ex vivo and in vivo experiments were performed to optimize our strategy for the rapid detection of multiple cell-surface biomarkers following a brief (5 min) topical application of SERS NPs on tissues. The simultaneous detection and ratiometric quantification of targeted and nontargeted NPs allows for an unambiguous assessment of molecular expression that is insensitive to nonspecific variations in NP concentrations, potentially enabling point-of-care surgical guidance or early disease detection.