Analytical applications of droplet deposition Raman spectroscopy.

The droplet deposition methods in Raman spectroscopy have received considerable attention in the field of analytical sensing focusing on effective pre-concentration of the studied analyte (coffee-ring effect or small spots). This review covers different analytical applications of drop-coating deposition Raman scattering (DCDRS) and droplet deposition surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. Two main advantages of droplet deposition Raman techniques are considered: the drying-induced segregation of the components from the mixtures (such as body fluids) and the sensitivity of detection of various analytically important molecules. Some recent advanced applications, including clinical cancer diagnosis, are discussed and summarized. Finally, the potential and further perspectives of the droplet deposition Raman methods for analytical studies are introduced.