Advances in droplet microfluidics for SERS and Raman analysis

ABSTR A C T Raman spectroscopy can realize qualitative and quantitative characterization, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can further enhance its detection sensitivity. In combination with droplet microfluidics, some significant but insurmountable limitations of SERS and Raman spectroscopy can be overcome to some extent, thus improving their detection capability and extending their application. During the past decade, these systems have constantly developed and demonstrated a great potential in more applications, but there is no new review systematically summarizing the droplet microfluidics-based Raman and SERS analysis system since the first related review was published in 2011. Thus, there is a great need for a new review to summarize the ad-vances. In this review, we focus on droplet microfluidics-based Raman and SERS analysis, and summarize two mainstream research directions on this topic up to now. The one is SERS or Raman detection in the moving droplet microreactors, including analysis of molecules, single cells and chemical reaction processes. The other one is SERS active microparticle fabrication via microfluidic droplet templates covering polymer matrix and photonic crystal microparticles. We also comment on the advantages, disadvantage and correlation resolution of droplet microfluidics for SERS or Raman. Finally, we summarize these systems and illustrate our perspectives for future research directions in this field.

Automated summary

This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in droplet microfluidics-based Raman and SERS analysis systems. By combining droplet microfluidics with Raman and SERS techniques, the limitations of traditional methods can be overcome, leading to improved detection capabilities and expanded applications. Current research mainly focuses on SERS or Raman detection in moving droplet microreactors, as well as the fabrication of SERS-active microparticles using microfluidic droplet templates. The review discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and resolution of droplet microfluidics for SERS or Raman, and provides insights into future research directions in this field.