SERS-based sensor for direct L-selectin level determination in plasma samples as alternative method of tumor detection

Selectin ligands are present on the surface of tumor cells, for this reason lowering the L-selectin level in the blood and lymph can indicate presence of the tumor. Therefore the selectin level in the plasma are potential targets for anticancer therapy. We demonstrate the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based sensor for the determination of L-selectin level in biological samples that can be used in medical diagnosis. The combination of SERS with the method of multivariate analysis as principle component analysis (PCA) allows to strengthen the presented data analysis. The loadings of PCA permit to indicate those vibration modes, that are the most important for the assumed identification (bands at 1574, 1450, 1292 cm(-1)). Two bands at 1286 and 1580 cm(-1)were selected for the determination of the calibration curve (bands intensities I-1286/I(1580)ratio). The L-selectin level of biological samples can be read, directly from the calibration curve. The presented sensor is as a sensitive tool with good specificity and selectivity of L-selectin, even in the case of coexistence of P- and E-selectin.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a SERS-based sensor for determining the level of L-selectin in biological samples, which can be used in medical diagnosis. The combination of SERS with PCA enhances data analysis, and the loadings of PCA help identify important vibration modes for the assumed identification.