SERS for Infectious Disease Diagnostics: An Advanced Platform for Pathogen Detection and Antimicrobial Resistance Analysis

Yiqun Liao,1 Xiaoling Wang,1 Huapei Kang,2 Yuanming Tao,2 Hui Chen3 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Healthcare-Associated Infection Management, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Hui Chen, Department of Healthcare-associated Infection Management, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, NO. 23 Qingnian Road, Zhanggong District, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, People’s Republic of China, Email 79633517@qq.comAbstract: Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria remain a major challenge for global public health. Rapid and accurate pathogen identification, as well as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) analysis, are crucial for the timely control and treatment of infectious diseases. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an analytical technique that combines Raman spectroscopy with the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of nanomaterials, featuring rapidity, non-destructiveness, high sensitivity, and specificity. This demonstrates significant potential for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. This article primarily expounds on the application of SERS in the detection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and AMR; explores the use of multi-modal innovative technologies integrating SERS with nanotechnology, microfluidics, and deep learning in pathogen identification and AMR analysis; and discusses the challenges and prospects for clinical translation of SERS.Keywords: SERS, infectious diseases, pathogen detection, antimicrobial resistance analysis, nanomaterials