Development of a Tri-Functional Nanoprobe for Background-Free SERS Detection of Sialic Acid on the Cell Surface

摘要: Sialic acid (SA) on the surface of cells is indispensable in numerous physiological and pathological processes, sensitive reproducible detection SA crucial for diagnosis therapy many diseases. Here, we developed a tri-functional nanoprobe as straightforward surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sialoglycan cell surfaces. The reporter was designed to provide three key functionalities that make it ideal detection. First, employed two recognition groups, phenylboronic an ammonium group, enhance capture efficiency. Second, used cyano because emits cellular silent region. Finally, thiol acted anchoring agent conjugate silver nanocubes SERS enhancement. Our molecular design demonstrated ability detect with high sensitivity spatial resolution, opening up new routes diagnostics.