Adeyinka Aina* and Oluwafemi Michael Adedire
Nanotechnology has rapidly emerged as a cornerstone of modern biomedicine, offering innovative solutions for diagnostics, therapeutics and disease monitoring. Among analytical tools, Raman spectroscopy has distinguished itself as a powerful technique for probing nano-systems at unprecedented resolution. This review explores the integration of advanced Raman modalities such as Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) and Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) with engineered nanomaterials. Such materials include metallic nanoparticles, polymeric carriers and grapheme-based systems. These synergistic platforms enable precise characterization of structural integrity, biofunctionalization and real-time interactions at the nano-bio interface. Applications span from probiotic encapsulation and viability assessment to rapid pathogen fingerprinting, antimicrobial nano-formulations, host-microbe characterization and Raman-tracked nano-vaccines. The impact of nano-enabled Raman probes extends beyond infectious diseases, with emerging applications in oncology, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, while integration with artificial intelligence enhances precision diagnostics. The review also highlights breakthroughs in miniaturized Raman devices, multiplexed probes and hybrid imaging systems, positioning these technologies for point-of-care and personalized medicine. Despite their transformative potential, challenges persist, which are currently unexplored, these include signal reproducibility, depth penetration, safety evaluation, regulatory gaps and workflow integration. Addressing these barriers through standardized protocols, multi-site validation and translational frameworks is key to clinical adoption. Collectively, this review underscores the pivotal role of innovative Raman-guided nano-systems in redefining future healthcare landscapes.
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