Nanoencapsulated and microencapsulated SERS platforms for biomedical analysis

•SERS platforms for tiny amount detection for pharmaceutical analysis are described.•In vivo application of SERS platforms is reviewed.•Layer-by-layer encapsulation is proposed for fabrication of multifunctional SERS platform for sensing and delivery.

The problems of layer-by-layer-based surface enhancement Raman scattering (SERS)-sensor application for pharmaceutical analysis were discussed. Layer-by-layer (LbL) method allows fabrication of encapsulated SERS platforms with high reproducibility of enhancement factor and increased signal/noise ratio of Raman scattering. LbL encapsulation approach opens an avenue to implement a novel type of theranostic systems combining SERS based sensing and drug delivery in one entity. The area of encapsulation development toward smart multifunctional theranostic systems could bring benefits for personalized medicine and should minimize costs and resources at preclinical and clinical study in pharmacology while testing new bioactive compounds.

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