SERS technology helps bacterial inactivation in vivo: including detection, identification, and evaluation.

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• Effect Size: Not quantified - narrative review

• Primary Outcome: SERS technology demonstrates potential for bacterial detection, identification, and sterilization monitoring

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Sensitivity and specificity values not systematically reported

Clinical Application

Limited by current technology availability and cost considerations in clinical settings Would require TGA approval for clinical diagnostic applications; potential research applications in Australian laboratories and hospitals Patients with bacterial infections requiring antimicrobial therapy and sterilization monitoring

Abstract

The problem of bacterial infection and antimicrobial resistance has become a major challenge threatening to human health. Detection, identification, and real-time evaluation of bacteria during the sterilization process are of great significance for interpreting the sterilization mechanism and ensuring the effectiveness of sterilization. With the advantages of high sensitivity, fast detection speed, and real-time monitoring, Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technology provides a revolutionary solution to in vivo bacterial detection, identification, and antibacterial effect evaluation through functional substrate optimization, microfluidic chip integration, and deep collaboration of machine learning algorithms. This review focuses on the prominent applications of SERS technology in chemical, biological, and physical sterilization processes. By analyzing the changes in bacterial SERS fingerprint patterns, precise detection and identification of sensitive/resistant bacteria have been achieved, deepening the interpretation of drug resistance mechanisms at the gene, cell, and biofilm levels. Meanwhile, SERS technology provides an ideal tool for monitoring and evaluating the biological sterilization process. In the process of physical sterilization, enhancing the substrate material not only helps to improve SERS signals, but also promotes bacterial inactivation. By monitoring real-time changes in bacterial metabolism, the sterilization process can be precisely regulated. This review summarizes the innovative application of SERS technology in accurately guiding the sterilization process in vivo, providing important support for optimizing antibacterial treatment strategies.

References

1. 1.Miao, Z., Liu, J., Gao, S., Liu, Y., Deng, L., Yan, Y., Wu, W., Xie, M., Li, X., Yang, S., Liu, W., & Wang, H. (2026). SERS technology helps bacterial inactivation in vivo: including detection, identification, and evaluation. Talanta. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129447