An emerging tool in healthcare: Wearable surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy

Abstract

This perspective explores the progressive domain of wearable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), underscoring its potential to revolutionize healthcare. As an advanced variation of traditional Raman spectroscopy, SERS offers heightened sensitivity in detecting molecular vibrations. Applied in wearable technology, it provides a mechanism for continuous, non-invasive, real-time monitoring of chemical and biomolecular processes in the human body through biofluids such as sweat and tears. This underscores its immense potential in enabling early disease detection and facilitating personalized medicine. However, the adoption of wearable SERS is not without challenges, which include device miniaturization, reliable biofluid sampling, user comfort, biocompatibility, and data interpretation. Nevertheless, this perspective emphasizes that the fast-paced advancements in nanotechnology and data sciences render these challenges surmountable. In summary, the perspective presents wearable SERS as a promising innovation in healthcare's future landscape. It has the potential to enhance individual health outcomes significantly and lower healthcare costs by promoting a preventive health management approach.