Integrating nanotechnology with sers for early lung cancer diagnosis: A perspective on enhancing diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/r3rg6547Keywords:
SERS, gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, lung cancer diagnosis, nanotechnology in biosensingAbstract
The absence of adequate diagnostic techniques for the early stages of the disease is the primary reason that lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadly malignancies worldwide. Cancer is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages using traditional procedures such as CT scans, biopsies, and PET-CT scans, which results in a decrease in survival rates. Nanotechnology has arisen as a possible route in answer to this issue. In particular, the application of gold and silver nanostructures in combination with Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a promising method for improving the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic techniques.
An examination of secondary literature is presented conceptually in this study in order to investigate the ways in which surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), enabled by plasmonic nanostructures, has the potential to make substantial advancements in the early detection of lung cancer. The research utilized a review- and theory-based technique that included the examination of peer-reviewed journal papers, technical reviews, and simulation-based models. All main data and all experimentation based on empirical evidence were eliminated from it. The theme synthesis centered on the processes that improve signals, kinds of nanostructures (for example, gold nanorods, silver nanoprisms, and Au@Ag core–shells), and the way in which these nanostructures perform in detecting biomarkers of lung cancer that are of particular importance, such as EGFR, CEA, and CYFRA 21-1.
Based on the review's findings, gold nanoparticles provide higher biocompatibility, but silver nanoparticles provide superior signal enhancement owing to their intense localized surface plasmon resonance. Hybrid nanostructures and shape-optimized geometries, including nanostars, were proposed by theoretical models as ways to achieve perfect SERS performance. It is clear that interdisciplinary teams and clinical integration are necessary to overcome the mentioned scalability, biological noise, and standardization challenges.
The paper concludes that nano-SERS systems can revolutionize early lung cancer diagnostics if supported by robust theoretical modeling, standardized protocols, and policy adoption. Recommendations include the development of multi-biomarker platforms, integration with AI, and incorporation into national screening frameworks.
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