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Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: A Tool for Nanoscale Chemical and Structural Characterization of Biomolecules
Author(s) -
Bonhommeau Sébastien,
Lecomte Sophie
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.201701067
Subject(s) - biomolecule , nanoscopic scale , characterization (materials science) , raman spectroscopy , nanotechnology , nucleic acid , chemical imaging , microscopy , chemistry , nanometre , resolution (logic) , materials science , spectroscopy , optics , biochemistry , physics , remote sensing , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , geology , computer science , hyperspectral imaging , composite material
Due to its high molecular sensitivity and spatial optical resolution down to sub‐nanometer values, tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) has emerged as a powerful microscopy technique for nanoscale characterization. Progress in TERS instrumentation and in the manufacturing of efficient TERS tips allow for chemical and structural analysis under various experimental conditions (different wavelengths, substrates, and surrounding media). Many biological species have been examined by using this technique. Nucleic acids (individual nucleobases, DNA, and RNA) can show specific TERS features that reveal their composition, conformation, and defects. TERS studies on peptides and proteins (such as amyloid fibrils) provide relevant information on their morphology and structure, leading to valuable insight to their functions and behavior. Finally, lipid layers and membranes, viruses, bacteria, and cells can also be finely characterized. Generalizing TERS measurements in liq‐ uid medium to study biological systems is the main future challenge.