Gold Nanoparticle (AuNP)-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Probe of Leukemic Lymphocytes

Identification of cellular surface marker is an effective approach in the early diagnosis of tumor. In this study, based on the finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation, combing the gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and the immunolabeling technique, we prepared AuNP-based SERS probe to achieve the surface marker identification of leukemic lymphocytes, in which AuNPs were capped by a Raman reporter of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) and antibody, and then encapsulated by polyethylene glycol (PEG). The obtained results showed that the prepared AuNPs/MBA-based SERS probe revealed the higher enhancement factor of Raman signal and the better specific selectivity and targeting function. Using this AuNPs/MBA-based SERS probe, both Jurkat cells and Raji cells can be identified easily. Importantly, this novel AuNPs/MBA-based SERS probe will supply a useful tool in the early diagnosis of leukemic lymphocytes.