Graphene Oxide-Supported Ag Nanoplates as LSPR Tunable and Reproducible Substrates for SERS Applications with Optimized Sensitivity

SERS Platform for Integrated Enrichment, Isolation, and Identification of Multiple Respiratory Viruses in a Single Assay Using 3D Stereoscopic SERS Tags and Flocked Swabs

Influenza (flu) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exhibit similar clinical symptoms, complicating the diagnosis and clinical management of these critical respiratory infections. Thus, there is an urgent need for rapid on-site detection technologies that can simultaneously detect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses. Here, we have developed the first platform that combines in situ sampling with immune swabs and multichannel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for simultaneous screening of these two respiratory viruses in a single assay. A seed-mediated growth method was used to assemble a number of silver spheres on the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2 spheres, which not only creates extensive Raman hotspots but also provides numerous sites for Raman signaling molecules, enhancing the sensing sensitivity. Integrating two specific Raman signaling molecules into the nanospheres allows for the parallel detection of both viruses, improving the efficiency of SERS signal read-out. Rapid quantitative screening of both SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 is achievable within 15 min, with detection limits of 7.76, and 8.13 pg·mL-1 for their respective target proteins. The platform demonstrated excellent performance in testing and analyzing 98 clinical samples (SARS-CoV-2:50; influenza A:48), achieving sensitivities of 88.00, and 95.83% for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation with the clinical CT values (P < 0.0001), underscoring the great potential of this platform for the early, rapid, and simultaneous diagnostic discrimination of multiple pathogens.

Porous rod-shaped Fe2O3/Ag/BP: a novel substrate for highly sensitive SERS detection of persistent organic pollutants

A surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate of porous rod-shaped ferric oxide (Fe2O3) combined with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and black phosphorus (Fe2O3/Ag/BP) was fabricated to detect the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) at low concentration. The organic pollutant Rhodamine 6G (R6G) was used as the probe molecule to study the performances of Fe2O3/Ag/BP, and 4-chlorobiphenyl (PCB-3) was the target of detection. The limit of detection (LOD) of R6G based on this novel SERS substrate Fe2O3/Ag/BP was as low as 1.0 × 10-15M, which was five orders of magnitude lower than that of Fe2O3/Ag (10-10M). The enhancement factor (EF) of Fe2O3/Ag/BP was 6.44 × 108, which was 3.1 times higher than that of porous rod-shaped Fe2O3/Ag (2.08 × 108). The Raman signal of R6G based on Fe2O3/Ag/BP had a good homogeneity, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of Raman signal intensities of R6G at 1643 cm-1was only 5.97%. Furthermore, the Fe2O3/Ag/BP substrate exhibited a recyclability through the photocatalytic degradation of R6G. The LOD of PCB-3 based on Fe2O3/Ag/BP was 10-9M. Besides, Fe2O3/Ag/BP had a high SERS activity even it was kept in a centrifuge tube without requiring complicated treatment. These results highlight the potential application of Fe2O3/Ag/BP for ultra-trace detection of POPs in the environment.

Multifunctional Ni(OH)2/Ag composites for ultrasensitive SERS detection and efficient photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin and methylene blue

To enable the widespread application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique in practical sensing of organic pollutants, it is essential to develop a reliable SERS substrate that offers both high sensitivity and reusability. In this study, we employed a simple and rapid in-situ deposition method to coat Ag nanoparticles onto flower-like Ni(OH)2 spheres, resulting in the formation of Ni(OH)2/Ag composites with excellent photocatalytic performance and SERS activity. These composites were used as a promising SERS analysis tool for effective detection of organic pollutants, including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) and methylene blue (MB). Notably, the composites exhibited outstanding detection limits of 10-8 M for MB and 10-7 M for CIP, respectively, and showed a strong linear relationship between SERS intensities and the logarithmic concentration (R2 ≥ 0.97). Moreover, under simulated sunlight irradiation, the Ni(OH)2/Ag composites efficiently degraded MB and CIP molecules within a short period of 120 min for MB and 130 min for CIP. This demonstrated their practical reusability, as evidenced by their consistent performance over five cycles of SERS sensing. These findings underscore the significant potential of these composites for SERS-based detection of trace pollutants and ecological restoration through photocatalytic reactions in the future.

Highly sensitive detection of CYFRA21-1 with a SERS sensing platform based on the MBs enrichment strategy and antibody-DNA-mediated CHA amplification

Laryngeal carcinoma (LC) is the second most common malignant tumor of the head and neck. Due to its insidious nature, most patients have developed to the middle and late stages by the time they are diagnosed, missing the best treatment period. Thus, early detection, diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve the prognosis of LC and enhance the quality of life of patients. In this study, a surface-enhanced Raman (SERS) sensing platform was developed by combining the magnetic beads (MBs) enrichment strategy and the antibody-DNA-mediated catalytic hairpin self-assembly (CHA) signal amplification technology. 4-Mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) and hairpin DNA 1 (hpDNA1) were modified onto the surface of gold nanobipyramids (GNBPs) as SERS nanotags. Hairpin DNA 2 (hpDNA2) modified MBs were used as capture nanoprobes. Under the action of CHA and magnet-induced MBs enrichment, GNBPs can be assembled on the surface of MBs, forming high-density "hot spots" for the SERS signal enhancement. The results showed that the SERS sensing platform has the advantages of high sensitivity, high specificity and high reproducibility, with the limit of detection (LOD) low to pg/mL level. The expression level of CYFRA21-1 in serum of LC patients and healthy controls was successfully detected by the SERS sensing platform. The accuracy of the SERS results was verified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Therefore, this SERS sensor can be used for the detection of CYFRA21-1 in serum, providing a simple and reliable new method for the early diagnosis of LC.

Colorimetric Detection of Acenaphthene and Naphthalene Using Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a class of chemicals that occur naturally. They generally demonstrate a high degree of critical toxicity towards humans. Acenaphthene and naphthalene contain compounds that are commonly found in the environment as compared to other PAHs. Consequently, a reliable method of detecting PAHs is crucial for the monitoring of water quality. A colorimetric method based on sodium nitrite-functionalized gold nanoparticles was developed in this study for acenaphthene and naphthalene detection. Different functionalized parameters are determined for the optimization of assay conditions. A linear relationship was found in the analyte concentration range of 0.1–10 ppm with the limit of detection for acenaphthene and naphthalene being 0.046 ppm and 0.0015 ppm, respectively, under the optimized assay conditions. The method’s recovery rate for actual samples falls within the range of 98.4–103.0%. In selective and anti-interference tests, the presence of cations and anions has minimal impact on the detection of the analyte. The colorimetric detection method proposed in this study effectively determines the presence of the analyte in real water samples and has a high recovery rate.

Real-time SERS monitoring anticancer drug release along with SERS/MR imaging for pH-sensitive chemo-phototherapy

In situ and real-time monitoring of responsive drug release is critical for the assessment of pharmacodynamics in chemotherapy. In this study, a novel pH-responsive nanosystem is proposed for real-time monitoring of drug release and chemo-phototherapy by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The Fe3O4@Au@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) deposited graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites with a high SERS activity and stability are synthesized and labeled with a Raman reporter 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (4-MPBA) to form SERS probes (GO-Fe3O4@Au@Ag-MPBA). Furthermore, doxorubicin (DOX) is attached to SERS probes through a pH-responsive linker boronic ester (GO-Fe3O4@Au@Ag-MPBA-DOX), accompanying the 4-MPBA signal change in SERS. After the entry into tumor, the breakage of boronic ester in the acidic environment gives rise to the release of DOX and the recovery of 4-MPBA SERS signal. Thus, the DOX dynamic release can be monitored by the real-time changes of 4-MPBA SERS spectra. Additionally, the strong T2 magnetic resonance (MR) signal and NIR photothermal transduction efficiency of the nanocomposites make it available for MR imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT). Altogether, this GO-Fe3O4@Au@Ag-MPBA-DOX can simultaneously fulfill the synergistic combination of cancer cell targeting, pH-sensitive drug release, SERS-traceable detection and MR imaging, endowing it great potential for SERS/MR imaging-guided efficient chemo-phototherapy on cancer treatment.

Multifunctional magnetic Fe3O4/Cu2O-Ag nanocomposites with high sensitivity for SERS detection and efficient visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic properties are persistent organic pollutants in the environment. Herein, the novel multifunctional Fe₃O₄/Cu₂O-Ag nanocomposites (NCs) have been established for ultra-sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of PAHs. Fe₃O₄/Cu₂O-Ag NCs with different amounts of Ag nanocrystals were synthesized, and the effect of Ag contents on SERS performance was studied by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm. The synergistic interplay of electromagnetic and chemical enhancement was responsible for excellent SERS sensitivity of Fe₃O₄/Cu₂O-Ag NCs. The limit of detection (LOD) of optimal SERS substrates (FCA-2 NCs) for Nap, BaP, Pyr and Ant was as low as 10^-9, 10^-9, 10^-9 and 10^-10 M, respectively. The SERS detection of PAHs in actual soil environment was also studied. Moreover, a simple SERS method was used to monitor the photocatalytic process of PAHs. The recovery and reuse of Fe₃O₄/Cu₂O-Ag NCs were achieved through magnetic field, and the outstanding SERS and photocatalytic performance were still maintained even after eight cycles. This magnetic multifunctional NCs provide a unique idea for the integration of ultra-sensitive SERS detection and efficient photocatalytic degradation of PAHs, and thus will have more hopeful prospects in the field of environmental protection.

Preparation of Plasmonic Ag@PS Composite via Seed-Mediated In Situ Growth Method and Application in SERS

The colloidal polystyrene (PS) was synthesized and decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The plasmonic Ag@PS nanocomposite was prepared by loading Ag NPs on PS microsphere through a seed-mediated in situ growth route. The property of Ag NPs deposited on the PS microsphere could be precisely controlled by adjusting the concentration of the chemicals used in the growth medium. The growth step is only limited by the diffusion of growing species in the growth media to the surface of the Ag seed. The Ag@PS prepared via the in situ growth method exhibited two advantages compared with the self-assembled PS/Ag. First, the high-density of Ag NPs were successfully deposited on the surface of PS as the electroless-deposited Ag seed process, which brings nearly three times SERS enhancement. Second, the rapid preparation process for in situ growth method (half an hour, 10 h for the self-assembled method). The PS/Ag could detect Nile blue A (NBA) down to 10-7 M by SERS. Furthermore, the plasmonic Ag@PS SERS substrate was used for pesticide identification. The on-site monitoring malachite green (MG) from fish was achieved by portable Raman spectrometer, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.02 ppm. The Ag@PS substrate has also shown capability for simultaneously sensing multiple pesticides by SERS.

Improved SERS performance of silver triangular nanoparticles / TiO2 nanoarrays heterostructure and its application for food additives detection

A novel Ag triangle nanoparticles/TiO2 nanorod array (AgNTs/TNA) heterostructure was designed as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active substrate for the sensitive detection of Rhodamine 6G (R6G), Crystal Violet (CV),...

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based lateral flow immunoassay mediated by hydrophilic-hydrophobic Ag-modified PMMA substrate

Recently, it is urgent to ameliorate the accumulation and quantification performances of surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based lateral flow immunoassay (SERS-based LFIA) to promote its reliable clinical application. Herein, a smart hydrophilic-hydrophobic SERS-based LFIA strip was demonstrated by decorating Ag nanoplates with hydrophilic surface onto the specific regions of hydrophobic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) film with Raman internal standard (IS), which can unexpectedly inhibit the "coffee-ring phenomenon". The target analytes were consequently enriched in the SERS-active Ag regions by the hydrophobic PMMA, considerably endowing the strip with amended quantitative monitoring ability. Aided by immunoprobes of flower-shaped Ag nanoplates, a limit of detection as 10 pg/mL and an outstanding correlation coefficient value (R²) of 0.992 for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were obtained by utilizing this SERS-based LFIA strip, which can be conducive to clinical monitoring and will broaden the field of vision for the point-of-care diagnostic technique.

The structural transition of bimetallic Ag-Au from core/shell to alloy and SERS application

It is well-known that Ag-Au bimetallic nanoplates have attracted significant research interest due to their unique plasmonic properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). In recent years, there have been many studies on the fabrication of bimetallic nanostructures. However, controlling the shape, size, and structure of bimetallic nanostructures still has many challenges. In this work, we present the results of the synthesis of silver nanoplates (Ag NPls), and Ag-Au bimetallic core/shell and alloy nanostructures, using seed-mediated growth under green LED excitation and a gold salt (HAuCl4) as a precursor of gold. The results show that the optical properties and crystal structure strongly depend on the amount of added gold salt. Interestingly, when the amount of gold(x) in the sample was less than 0.6 μmol (x < 0.6 μmol), the structural nature of Ag-Au was core/shell, in contrast x > 0.6 μmol gave the alloy structure. The morphology of the obtained nanostructures was investigated using the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) technique. The UV-Vis extinction spectra of Ag-Au nanostructures showed localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands in the spectral range of 402-627 nm which changed from two peaks to one peak as the amount of gold increased. Ag-Au core/shell and alloy nanostructures were utilized as surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates to detect methylene blue (MB) (10-7 M concentration). Our experimental observations indicated that the highest enhancement factor (EF) of about 1.2 × 107 was obtained with Ag-Au alloy. Our detailed investigations revealed that the Ag-Au alloy exhibited significant EF compared to pure metal Ag and Ag-Au core/shell nanostructures. Moreover, the analysis of the data revealed a linear dependence between the logarithm of concentration (log C) and the logarithm of SERS signal intensity (log I) in the range of 10-7-10-4 M with a correlation coefficient (R 2) of 0.994. This research helps us understand better the SERS mechanism and the application of Raman spectroscopy on a bimetallic surface.

Capping Ligand Size-Dependent LSPR Property Based on DNA Nanostructure-Mediated Morphological Evolution of Gold Nanorods for Ultrasensitive Visualization of Target DNA

Systematically tuning the structures and properties of noble-metal nanoparticles through biomolecule-mediated overgrowth is of significant importance for their applications in biosensing and imaging. Herein thiolated biomolecules with different concentrations and sizes (molecular weight and spatial structure) were used as a class of capping ligands to control the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property of gold nanorods (GNRs). The LSPR peaks were red-shifted by increasing the capping agent concentration. The size effect could be divided to two aspects: (1) When the ligands are small molecules, the LSPR peak is blue-shifted as the size of the capping ligand increases. (2) When the ligands are macromolecular proteins, the LSPR property is similar to that of the overgrown nanoparticle (Au@gap@GNR) without thiolated biomolecules as capping agents. Interestingly, thiol-free and nonhomooligomeric DNA strands as capping agents present a similar influence in shaping the overgrowth of GNRs by varying their concentrations and sizes. In addition, the size effect of a DNA nanostructure was used to construct a Δλ_LSPR-based catalytic nucleic acid biosensor using a DNA dendritic nanostructure as a capping agent combined with LSPR signals generated from the Au@gap@GNRs with morphological evolution. More importantly, the Δλ_LSPR-based biosensor possesses three advantages in nucleic acid biosensing: (1) It is completely label- and wash-free, (2) it has an ultrahigh sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, and (3) it can be visualized without any instrumental aid, indicating a significant potential for ultrasensitive biosensing.

Modified photochemical strategy to support highly-purity, dense and monodisperse Au nanospheres on graphene oxide for optimizing SERS detection

The integration of highly-purity, dense and monodisperse plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) on two-dimensional (2D) graphene-like support possesses great potential for optimizing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Based on ultraviolet (UV) laser-induced modified photochemical reaction, we report an ingenious and green strategy to support highly dispersed Au NPs with controllable distribution on graphene oxide (GO). Without using any stabilizing agents or other complex chemical additives, the GO with abundant oxygen-containing functional groups can be effectively excited by 375 nm laser irradiation in HAuCl₄ solution, resulting in controlled reduction of Au ions and then overgrowth of highly-purity Au NPs. Highly dense and monodisperse Au NPs with uniform diameter of ~20 nm formed on GO supports can be achieved by 30 min irradiation, which can offer maximized SERS activity in comparison with GO/Au NPs obtained by other irradiation times. The optimized GO/Au NPs give rise to ultralow SERS analyses of (10^-14 M) methylene blue (MB), (10^-13 M) rhodamine 6G (R6G) and (10^-13 M) malachite green (MG), respectively. More importantly, it can also simultaneously analyze these three aromatic dyes in a mixture condition at detection limits as low as nano-mole level (10^-9-10^-11 M), achieving the urgent requirement of mutually independent SERS trace detection. Therefore, the obtained GO/Au NPs with extremely high SERS activity and superior spectroscopic identification will be a prominent candidate for widespread SERS applications in real-word scenarios.

Gas phase detection of chemical warfare agents CWAs with portable Raman

The development of SERS substrates for chemical detection of specific analytes requires appropriate selection of plasmonic metal and the surface where it is deposited. Here we deposited Ag nanoplates on three substrates: i) conventional SiO₂/Si wafer, ii) stainless steel mesh and iii) graphite foils. The SERS enhancement of the signal was studied for Rhodamine 6 G (R6 G) as common liquid phase probe molecule. We conducted a comprehensive study with λ = 532, 633 and 785 nm on all the substrates. The best substrate was investigated, at the optimum laser 785 nm, for gas phase detection of dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), simulant of the G-series nerve agents, at a concentration of 2.5 ppmV (14 mg/m³). The spectral fingerprint was clearly observed; with variations on the relative intensities of SERS Raman bands compared to bulk DMMP in liquid phase reflects the DMMP-Ag interactions. These interactions were simulated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and the simulated spectra matched with the experimental one. Finally, we were detected the characteristics DMMP fingerprint with hand-held portable equipment. These results open the way for the application of SERS technique on real scenarios where robust, light-weight, miniaturized and simple to use and cost-effective tools are required by first responders.

Recyclable substrates based on graphene oxide/gold nanorod composites for efficient surface enhanced Raman scattering

Here, we fabricated a recyclable surface enhanced Raman scattering substrate based on graphene oxide/gold nanorod composites.

In situ synthesis of low-cost and large-scale flexible metal nanoparticle–polymer composite films as highly sensitive SERS substrates for surface trace analysis

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been one of the most promising analytical tools. Despite many efforts in the design of SERS substrates, it remains a great challenge for creating a general flexible substrate that could in situ detect analytes on diverse objects. Herein, we report our attempt to address this issue by developing a facile and versatile method capable of generating silver/gold nanoparticles in situ on the surface of a cellulose acetate (CA) polymer in a simple, cheap, practical, and capping agent-free way. The as-prepared substrates exhibit excellent sensitivity, which enabled detection of Rhodamine 6G at concentrations as low as 10⁻¹² M. Taking advantage of the excellent flexibility and optical transparency of the CA matrix, the highly SERS-active substrate was applied for in situ identification and detection of pesticide residues on fruits. The results indicated that tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) and thiabendazole (TBZ) can be clearly identified at concentrations as low as 18.05 ng cm⁻² and 15.1 ng cm⁻², respectively, which were much lower than the maximum permitted residue doses with respect to food safety.

Facile and large-scale synthesis of flexible metal nanoparticle–polymer composite films as highly sensitive SERS substrates for in situ food inspection.

Graphene-based nanoplatforms for surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensing

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is one of the important techniques for sensing applications in biological analysis, disease diagnosis, environmental science, and food safety. Graphene provides an excellent nanoplatform for SERS sensing due to its two-dimensional flat structure, uniform electronic and photonic properties, excellent mechanical stability, atomic uniformity, and high biocompatibility. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the fabrication of various graphene-based nanoplatforms for SERS sensing. We present the strategies, such as self-assembly, in situ synthesis, one-pot synthesis, liquid phase reduction, and biomimetic synthesis, for the fabrication of graphene-based hybrid metallic and alloy nanoplatforms, and then demonstrate the potential applications of graphene-based nanoplatforms for the SERS sensing of ions, organic dyes, pesticides, bacteria, DNA, proteins, cells, and other chemicals in great detail. In addition, we also discuss the future development of this interesting research field and provide several perspectives. This work will be helpful for readers to understand the fabrication and sensing mechanisms of graphene-based SERS sensing nanoplatforms; meanwhile, it will promote the development of new materials and novel methods for high performance sensing and biosensing applications.

Plasmonic 3D Semiconductor-Metal Nanopore Arrays for Reliable Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection and In-Site Catalytic Reaction Monitoring

It is urgent to develop a rapid, reliable, and in-site determination method to detect or monitor trace amounts of toxic substances in the field. Here, we report an alternative surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method coupled with a portable Raman device on a plasmonic three-dimension (3D) hot spot sensing surface. Plasmonic Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were uniformly deposited on 3D TiO₂ nanopore arrays as a sensitive SERS substrate, and further coated with graphene oxide (GO). We demonstrate the plasmon-induced SERS enhancement (5.8-fold) and the improvement of catalytic activity by incorporation of plasmonic AgNPs into the 3D TiO₂ nanopore arrays. The modification of GO on the TiO₂-Ag nanopore array further increases by a 6.2-fold Raman enhancement compared to TiO₂-Ag while maintaining good uniformity (RSD < 10%). The optimized TiO₂-Ag-GO substrate shows powerful quantitative detection potential for drug residues in fish scales via a simple scrubbing method, and the limit of detection (LOD) for crystal violet (CV) was 10^-8 M. The SERS substrate also showed detection practicability of pesticide residues in banana peel with an LOD of 10^-7 M. In addition, our TiO₂-Ag-GO substrate exhibits excellent SERS self-monitoring performance for catalytic reduction of multiple organics in NaBH₄ solution, and the substrate shows good recyclability of 6 cycles. Such a 3D TiO₂-Ag-GO substrate is a promising SERS substrate with good sensitivity, uniformity, and reusability, and may be utilized for further miniaturization for point of analytical applications.

Real-time optofluidic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy based on a graphene oxide/gold nanorod nanocomposite

We demonstrate a glass microcapillary fiber as an optofluidic platform for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), the inner walls of which are coated with a graphene oxide (GO)/gold nanorod (AuNR) nanocomposite. A simple thermal method is used for the coating, allowing for the continuous deposition of the nanocomposite without surface functionalization. We show that the AuNRs can be directly and nondestructively identified on the GO inside the capillaries via identification of the Au-Br SERS peak, as Br- ions from the AuNR synthesis remain on their surface. The coated microcapillary platform is, then, used as a stable SERS substrate for the detection of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and Rhodamine 640 (RH640) at concentrations down to 10^-7 and 10^-9 M, respectively. As the required sample volumes are as low as a few hundred nanoliters, down to ~75 femtograms of analyte can be detected. The fiber also allows for the detection of the molecules at acquisition times as low as 0.05 s, indicating the platform's suitability for real-time sensing.

Controllable synthesis of AgNWs@PDA@AgNPs core-shell nanocobs based on a mussel-inspired polydopamine for highly sensitive SERS detection

In this work, a series of AgNWs@PDA@AgNPs core-shell nanocobs based on a mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) were controllably synthesized and achieve highly sensitive SERS detection. Owing to the existence of abundant catechol and amine functional groups, PDA molecules could assemble a functional layer on the surface of silver nanowires (AgNWs) and exhibit exceptional adhesion performance. More importantly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with controlled coverage and size were achieved on the surface of the PDA layer by in situ reduction of silver ions into AgNPs with catechol functional groups, forming AgNWs@PDA@AgNPs core-shell nanocobs. By regulating synergistical effect between the AgNWs and AgNPs, the AgNWs@PDA@AgNPs core-shell nanocobs demonstrated a highly sensitive and stable SERS response to Rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules, and a low limit of detection down to 10-12 M. Furthermore, the AgNWs@PDA@AgNPs core-shell nanocobs showed an excellent reproducibility and superior stability as a SERS substrate to achieve trace detection. This strategy would have great potential to fabricate multifarious SERS-active substrates that make it possible to detect single molecules and singles cell in chemical and biological fields.

Two-Dimensional Metal Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

As one unique group of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, 2D metal nanomaterials have drawn increasing attention owing to their intriguing physiochemical properties and broad range of promising applications. In this Review, we briefly introduce the general synthetic strategies applied to 2D metal nanomaterials, followed by describing in detail the various synthetic methods classified in two categories, i.e. bottom-up methods and top-down methods. After introducing the unique physical and chemical properties of 2D metal nanomaterials, the potential applications of 2D metal nanomaterials in catalysis, surface enhanced Raman scattering, sensing, bioimaging, solar cells, and photothermal therapy are discussed in detail. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this promising research area are proposed.

Recent progress on graphene-based substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering applications

Graphene-based SERS substrates are classified and introduced, and their applications in biosensing-related fields are reviewed.

Seed-mediated synthesis and SERS performance of graphene oxide-wrapped Ag nanomushroom

A facile seed-mediated method was developed to modify core-shell Ag nanosphere@PSPAA with another Ag layer for achieving an enhancement of their surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. Interestingly, an Ag bridge in the polymer shell connected the inner and outer Ag layers, resulting in a mushroom-like nanostructure. The outer Ag grew around the polymer shell to form the cap of the nanomushrooms (NMs) with the extension of the reaction time. The epitaxial growth mechanism of this novel nanostructure was investigated by tuning the type of seed from nanosphere to nanocube and nanorod. With the growth of the outer Ag cap, the SERS intensity of these Ag NMs increased significantly together with the red-shifting and broadening of their typical localized surface plasmon resonance band. Such a phenomenon can be attributed to the formation of SERS hotspots between the inner and outer Ag layers. The Ag NMs were then wrapped with a graphene oxide (GO) shell via static interactions. The GO-wrapped Ag NMs exhibited a further better SERS performance in terms of sensitivity, homogeneity and stability compared with non-wrapped ones, indicating that the heterostructure could be potentially useful for SERS-based immunoassay.

Sustained and Cost Effective Silver Substrate for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Based Biosensing

While surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based biosensing has demonstrated great potential for point-of-care diagnostics in the laboratory, its application in the field is limited by the short life time of commonly used silver based SERS active substrates. In this work, we report our attempt towards SERS based field biosensing, involving the development of a novel sustained and cost-effective substrate composed of silver nanoparticles protected by small nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots, i.e. Ag NP@N-GQD, and its systematic evaluation for glucose sensing. The new substrate demonstrated significantly stronger Raman enhancement compared to pure silver nanoparticles. More importantly, the new substrate preserved SERS performance in a normal indoor environment for at least 30 days in both the wet and dry states, in contrast to only 10 days for pure silver nanoparticles. The Ag NP@N-GQD thin film in the dry state was then successfully applied as a SERS substrate for glucose detection in mouse blood samples. The new substrate was synthesized under mild experimental conditions, and the cost increase due to N-GQD was negligible. These results suggest that the Ag NP@N-GQD is a cost-effective and sustained SERS substrate, the development of which represents an important step towards SERS based field biosensing.

A general seed-mediated approach to the synthesis of AgM (M = Au, Pt, and Pd) core–shell nanoplates and their SERS properties

Graphical abstract describing a general pH-dependent synthetic steps for the preparation of AgM (Au, Pt and Pd) triangular core–shell nanoplates and hollow nanoframes.

One-Step Solvothermal Method to Prepare Ag/Cu2O Composite With Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties

Ag/Cu2O microstructures with diverse morphologies have been successfully synthesized with different initial reagents of silver nitrate (AgNO3) by a facile one-step solvothermal method. Their structural and morphological characteristics were carefully investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the experimental results showed that the morphologies transformed from microcubes for pure Cu2O to microspheres with rough surfaces for Ag/Cu2O. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by measuring the degradation of methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiencies of MO firstly increased to a maximum and then decreased with the increased amount of AgNO3. The experimental results revealed that the photocatalytic activities were significantly influenced by the amount of AgNO3 during the preparation process. The possible reasons for the enhanced photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared Ag/Cu2O composites were discussed.

Silica Cladding of Ag Nanoparticles for High Stability and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Performance

For high-precision biochemical sensing, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been demonstrated to be a highly sensitive spectroscopic analytical method and Ag is considered to be the best material for SERS performance. Due to the high surface activity of Ag nanoparticles, the high stability of Ag nanostructures, especially in moist environments, is one of the key issues that need to be solved. A method for silica (SiO2) cladding of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) is demonstrated here for high sensitivity and long-term stability when putted in aqueous solution. The chemically inert, transparent, hydrophilic, and bio-compatible SiO2 surface acts as the protection layer for the Ag nanoparticles, which can also enhance the Raman intensity to a certain extent. In our study, the Ag@SiO2 core-shell substrate can detect crystal violet solutions with molar concentrations down to 10(-12) M. After 24 h of immersion, the reduction in Raman scattering intensity is about 85 % for sole Ag NP films, compared to 12 % for the Ag coated with a 10-nm SiO2 layer. This thickness was found to be optimum for Ag@SiO2 core-shell substrates with long-term stability and high SERS activity.

Improved SERS-Active Nanoparticles with Various Shapes for CTC Detection without Enrichment Process with Supersensitivity and High Specificity

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have received more and more attention in medical biology and clinical practice, especially diagnosis, prognosis, and cancer treatment monitoring. The detection of CTCs within the large number of healthy blood cells is a big challenge due to their rarity, which requires a detection method with supersensitivity and high specificity. In this study, we developed three kinds of new nanoparticles with the function of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based on spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), gold nanorods (AuNRs), and gold nanostars (AuNSs) with similar particle size, similar modifications, and different shapes for CTC detection without an enrichment process from the blood. The nanoparticles possess strong SERS signal due to modification of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) (i.e., Raman reporter molecule), possess excellent specificity due to stabilization of reductive bovine serum albumin (rBSA) to reduce the nonspecific catching or uptake by healthy cells in blood, and possess high sensitivity due to conjugation of folic acid (FA) (i.e., a targeted ligand) to identify CTCs. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the results of detection demonstrate that these nanoparticles could all be utilized for CTC detection without enrichment process from the blood with high specificity, and the AuNS-MBA-rBSA-FA is the best one due to its supersensitivity, whose limit of detection (i.e., 1 cell/mL) is much lower than the currently reported lowest value (5 cells/mL).

A Boronate Affinity-Assisted SERS Tag Equipped with a Sandwich System for Detection of Glycated Hemoglobin in the Hemolysate of Human Erythrocytes

Phenylboronic acid-functionalized, Ag shell-coated, magnetic, monodisperse polymethacrylate microspheres equipped with a glycoprotein-sensitive sandwich system were proposed as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for quantitative determination of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The magnetization of the SERS tag and the formation of the Ag shell on the magnetic support were achieved using the bifunctional reactivity of newly synthesized polymethacrylate microspheres. The hemolysate of human red blood cells containing both HbA1c and nonglycated hemoglobin was used for determination of HbA1c. The working principle of the proposed SERS tag is based on the immobilization of HbA1c by cyclic boronate ester formation between glycosyl residues of HbA1c and boronic acid groups of magnetic polymethacrylate microspheres and the binding of p-aminothiophenol (PATP)-functionalized Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) carrying another boronic acid ligand via cyclic boronate ester formation via unused glycosyl groups of bound HbA1c. Then, in situ formation of a Raman reporter, 4,4'-dimercaptoazobenzene from PATP under 785 nm laser irradiation allowed for the quantification of HbA1c bound onto the magnetic SERS tag, which was proportional to the HbA1c concentration in the hemolysate of human erythrocytes. The sandwich system provided a significant enhancement in the SERS signal intensity due to the plasmon coupling between Ag NPs and Ag shell-coated magnetic microspheres, and low HbA1c concentrations down to 50 ng/mL could be detected. The calibration curve obtained with a high correlation coefficient between the SERS signal intensity and HbA1c level showed the usability of the SERS protocol for the determination of the HbA1c level in any person.