Stable and scalable SERS tags conjugated with neutravidin for the detection of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in primary fibroblasts

Abstract SERS tags are a class of nanoparticles with great potential in advanced imaging experiments. The preparation however is complex, as they suffer from the high variability signals observed even at slightest sign aggregation. Here, we developed method for based on use gold nanostars conjugated neutravidin. here obtained extremely stable all biological buffers commonly employed and can be prepared relatively large scale very mild conditions. have been used to monitor expression fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) membrane primary fibroblasts patients affected by Crohn’s disease. allowed unambiguous identification FAP surface cells thus suggesting feasibility semi-quantitative analysis target protein. Moreover, neutravidin–biotin system allows apply any other marker detection, example, different cancer cell types, simply changing biotinylated antibody chosen analysis.