Monitoring the Kinetic Changes in Drugs and Metabolites Using SERS

In a recent review article, a team of researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University explored how to improve the monitoring of drugs and metabolites in biomedical research and clinical settings. This study, which was published in the journal Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, highlights how surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is improving the monitoring of drugs and metabolites in biomedical research and clinical settings (1).

Drug kinetics examines how the human body can handle a specific drug (2). Drug kinetics is important in medicine because it accounts for all absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination processes (2). Studying drug kinetics is, however, sometimes difficult. Some of the more traditional analytical tools used, such as Raman spectroscopy, are insufficient. For example, Raman spectroscopy has limited sensitivity that prevents it from being used widely in biomedical research (1). Alternative techniques require more time-consuming sample preparation, the researchers wrote (1).

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As a result, the researchers investigated whether SERS could improve on the limitations that exist with Raman spectroscopy. In the study, the research team used SERS to amplify and improve the Raman signals through plasmonic substrates. This allowed them to detect trace levels of small molecules in biological samples such as urine, serum, and living cells (1).

Recent advancements in substrate design, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven spectral analysis, and improved sample preparation make SERS an innovative method for drug delivery and monitoring. The authors focused the beginning of their article on SERS fundamentals and how the technique is being applied in biomedical research and clinical settings. They highlight the enhancement mechanisms and molecule–substrate interactions that define SERS, discussing the practical considerations for researchers, such as substrate reproducibility and the importance of standardized protocols (1). One of the key challenges in the field, the authors note, is the variability in SERS performance across different laboratories (1). The authors discussed how establishing technical regulations could accelerate its translation from bench to bedside (1).

SERS has been routinely used in biomedical research for the past decade. Over this period of time, SERS has been used to detect metabolites and drugs within living cells, enabling real-time monitoring of cellular responses to therapy (1). In addition, SERS has been applied to track drugs in diverse biological matrices, offering a window into how medications move through tissues and fluids (1). This dynamic monitoring capability has implications not only for understanding pharmacokinetics but also for refining dosing regimens and minimizing adverse drug reactions.

SERS is also used for metabolic profiling in health assessment. By analyzing biological fluids such as urine and serum, SERS can provide insights into metabolic changes linked to disease states (1). This could pave the way for noninvasive diagnostic tools that detect early signs of illness or monitor treatment effectiveness (1).

However, near the conclusion of the review, the authors highlight what challenges still remain for the widespread adoption of SERS. The first challenge is about designing high-performance, reproducible SERS substrates that can function reliably across different biological environments (1). Additionally, spectral interpretation requires sophisticated computational tools. The authors highlight the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance spectral analysis, enabling researchers to sift through complex data sets with greater accuracy and speed (1).

By providing real-time, high-sensitivity monitoring of drugs and metabolites, SERS could accelerate drug development pipelines, improve clinical decision-making, and enable more personalized therapeutic strategies. As drug resistance, adverse reactions, and variability in patient response continue to challenge healthcare, tools like SERS may play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between laboratory insights and patient outcomes (1). With more research being conducted around substrate engineering, regulatory frameworks, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data interpretation, SERS could be improved to such an extent that it can be widely adopted in clinical pharmacology and precision medicine.

References

1. Luo, Z.; Chen, H.; Bi, X.; Ye, J. Monitoring Kinetic Processes of Drugs and Metabolites: Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 2025, 217, 115483. DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115483
2. Le, J. Introduction to Administration and Kinetics of Drugs. Merck Manuals. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/drugs/administration-and-kinetics-of-drugs/introduction-to-administration-and-kinetics-of-drugs (accessed 2025-08-22).