Mengdi Guo

DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), enabling unprecedented precision in plasmonic hotspot engineering, dynamic signal amplification, and multiplexed biomarker detection. By leveraging the programmable self‐assembly of nucleic acids, researchers have developed composite SERS substrates, enzyme‐free amplification strategies, and aptamer‐mediated recognition systems, achieving attomolar sensitivity for targets ranging from cancer exosomes to heavy metals. Framework nucleic acids further enhance spatial resolution, while DNA nanomachines and hydrogels introduce stimuli‐responsive capabilities for real‐time monitoring. However, challenges persist in stability, scalability, and spectral multiplexing, necessitating innovations in nuclease‐resistant designs, cost‐effective fabrication, and machine learning‐assisted data analysis. Future directions include CRISPR‐SERS integration, field‐portable devices, and quantum‐plasmonic hybrids. By bridging molecular programmability with plasmonics, DNA nanotechnology promises to revolutionize SERS applications in precision diagnostics, environmental surveillance, and single‐molecule analysis.

The molecular energy transfer is crucial for many different physicochemical processes. The efficiency of traditional resonance energy transfer relies on dipole–dipole distance between molecules and becomes negligible when the distance is larger than ∼10 nm, which is difficult to overcome. Cavity polariton, formed when placing molecules inside the cavity, is a promising way to surmount the distance limit. By hybridizing a two-level atom (TLA) and a lithium fluoride (LiF) molecule with a cavity, we numerically simulate the reaction process and the energy transfer between them. Our results show that the TLA can induce a deep potential well, which can be seen as a replica of the potential energy surface of bare LiF, acting as a reservoir to absorb/release the molecular kinetic energy. In addition, the energy transfer shows a molecular nuclear kinetic energy dependent behavior, namely, more nuclear kinetic energy igniting more energy transfer. These findings show us a promising way to manipulate the energy transfer process within the cavity using an intentional TLA, which can also serve as a knob to control the reaction process.