Label-free detection of proteins from self-assembled protein-silver nanoparticle structures using surface-enhanced...

Proteins are one of the most versatile groups of molecules with vital functional roles in living systems. Their enormous diversity and structural flexibility make the detection of these molecules a challenging task. A simple and sensitive label-free protein detection method based on assembly of proteins and colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on surfaces and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is reported. The SERS spectra from the assembled AgNP/protein films show excellent reproducibility and high quality regardless of the proteins' charge status and size. A detection limit down to 0.5 μg/mL for three acidic proteins; BSA, catalase and pepsin, and three basic proteins; cytochrome c, avidin and lysozyme, is easily achieved. The minimum improvement in detection limit is more than 1 order of magnitude compared to the previously reported detection limits using the technique and the approach has the potential for label-free protein detection and identification.