As a new type of analysis and detection technique,surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy（SERS） has attracted more and more attention due to its unique properties of rapid detection,high sensitivity,non-destructive and the in-situ detection ability.Therefore,SERS has a great development potential and an application prospect as a spectral analysis technique.Recyclable SERS-active substrates with high sensitivity,highly enhanced intensity and good repeatability and stability have a great influence on the intensity of SERS signals.A variety of different functional nanomaterials can be composited through layer-by-layer,surface modification method and sonochemistry coating to form core-shell nanoparticles as novel SERS-active substrates.They can not only enhance the reproducibility of SERS signal,but also maintain the stability of the core-shell nanoparticles in analysis.The conventional SERS substrates mainly include metal colloids,metal island films,chemical etched metal films,etc.However,those SERS substrates have the disadvantages of poor reproducibility and stability.In contrast to those traditional monocomponent SERS substrates,more stable SERS signals could be achieved by using core-shell nanoparticles with functions of enrichment and separation,catalysis and specific molecular recognition,which promote the further research of SERS theory and the application of SERS technology.In this review,recent advances of SERS-active substrates based on modified noble metal,magnetic nanocomposites,semiconductor,complex organic core-shell nanoparticles were reviewed.