Antibody-Functionalized SERRS Nanoprobe Based Imaging: A Highly Sensitive Raman-imaging Technique to Detect Metastatic Ovarian Cancer In Vivo

Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering or SERRS technique utilizes analyte molecules bearing a Raman reporter dye to interact with incident light and cause inelastic light scattering.

Begin with an injection mix containing two types of nanoprobes - targeted nanoprobes tagged with specific anti-receptor antibodies carrying a distinct reporter dye and non-targeted control nanoprobes possessing a different reporter dye. Inject this suspension into the peritoneal cavity of a female mouse bearing metastasized ovarian cancer. Allow sufficient time for the nanoprobes to distribute within the peritoneal cavity.

The targeted anti-receptor antibody functionalized nanoprobes bind to their specific receptors overexpressed on ovarian cancer cells, while the non-targeted nanoprobes adhere non-specifically to the visceral surface.

Euthanize the mouse and secure it on an imaging platform in a supine position. Surgically incise its abdomen and remove the intestines to expose the peritoneal cavity. Image the mouse under a Raman microspectrophotometer.

On irradiation with laser light, both types of nanoprobes cause the incident light to scatter differently, each generating unique spectral signatures. Process the spectra to determine the relative abundance of nanoprobes to differentiate the cancer cells from the visceral background.