Recent progress of microfluidics in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis

Abstract Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a significant analytical tool capable of fingerprint identification of molecule in a rapid and ultrasensitive manner. However, it is still hard to meet the requirements of practical sample analysis. The introduction of microfluidics can effectively enhance the performance of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy in complex sample analysis including reproducibility, selectivity, sensitivity, and speed. This review summarizes the recent progress of microfluidics in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis through four combination approaches. First, microfluidic synthetic techniques offer uniform nano‐/microparticle fabrication approaches for reproductive surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis. Second, the integration of microchip and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic substrate provides advanced devices for sensitive and efficient detection. Third, microfluidic sample preparations enable rapid separation and preconcentration of analyte prior to surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic detection. Fourth, highly integrated microfluidic devices can be employed to realize multistep surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis containing material fabrication, sample preparation, and detection processes. Furthermore, the challenges and outlooks of the application of microfluidics in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis are discussed.