Nano Detection of miR-155 for Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis via Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Lung cancer remains the preeminent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating advancements in early detection methods to improve patient prognosis. Traditional diagnostic tools, such as CT scans and sputum cytology, are hindered by high false-positive rates, prompting the need for more accurate and non-invasive diagnostic techniques. This study delves into the innovative integration of miR-155, a microRNA implicated in lung carcinogenesis, with Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) facilitated by silver nanoparticles for the early detection of lung cancer in ex vivo samples. Through a meticulously designed series of experiments, the sensitivity and specificity of SERS in detecting miR-155 at physiologically relevant concentrations were examined. The constructed methodology capitalized on the unique plasmonic effect achieved via the use of silver nanoparticles to enhance the Raman signal of miR-155, enabling the detection of this biomarker at concentrations indicative of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results revealed a significant enhancement in the Raman signal intensity of miR-155 in the presence of silver nanoparticles, demonstrating the potential of SERS as a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of lung cancer in controlled laboratory settings. The application of this technology represents a paradigm shift towards non-invasive, accurate, and cost-effective lung cancer diagnostics, with the potential to substantially improve early detection rates and patient survival outcomes. However, further validation in clinical settings is necessary. This research underscores the promise of nanotechnology and bioanalytical methods in cancer diagnostics, paving the way for future studies to validate these findings in clinical settings and explore the integration of SERS with existing diagnostic protocols for a more comprehensive approach to lung cancer detection.