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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection of Biomolecules Using EBL Fabricated Nanostructured Substrates
Published on: March 20, 2015
Lithographical gap-size engineered nanoarrays for surface-enhanced Raman probing of biomarkers
R Stosch1, F Yaghobian, T Weimann
1Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany. rainer.stosch@ptb.de
Nanotechnology
|February 4, 2011
Summary
Engineered gold nanostructures enable highly sensitive detection of biomarkers using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This breakthrough in nanostructure fabrication allows for precise quantification of molecules at physiological levels.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
- Biomarker Detection
Background:
- Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers high sensitivity for detecting molecules.
- Achieving precise nanostructure control is crucial for enhancing SERS performance.
- Sub-10-nm feature separation in nanostructured arrays is challenging but promising.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate engineered gold nanostructured arrays with sub-10-nm feature separation.
- To utilize these nanostructures for highly sensitive SERS detection of biomarkers.
- To establish reference procedures for quantifying specific marker molecules.
Main Methods:
- Combining electron beam lithography with shadow evaporation.
- Utilizing a two-step gold vapor deposition through a suspended germanium mask.
- Tiling the substrate in opposite directions during deposition to create triangular patterns.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated gold nanostructured arrays with feature separation below 10 nm.
- Demonstrated highly sensitive SERS detection of biomarkers.
- Achieved significant enhancement of local electric fields due to improved electromagnetic coupling.
- Validated the potential for quantifying urea and creatinine at physiologically relevant concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Engineered gold nanostructures with sub-10-nm gaps are effective for sensitive SERS detection.
- The fabrication method provides precise control over nanostructure morphology and spacing.
- These SERS-active surfaces are suitable for developing reference quantification methods for biomarkers.
