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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Author Spotlight: Single-Molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Measurements Enabled by Plasmonic DNA Origami Nanoantennas
Published on: July 21, 2023
Direct surface-enhanced Raman scattering analysis of DNA duplexes
Luca Guerrini1, Željka Krpetić, Danny van Lierop
1Departamento de Química Fisica e Inorganica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Centro de Tecnologia Química, Carrer de Marcel lí Domingo s/n, 43007 Tarragona (Spain); Medcom Advance SA, Viladecans Bussines Park, Edificio Brasil, C/Bertran i Musitu, 83-85, 08840 Viladecans (Barcelona) (Spain). luca.guerrini@ctqc.org.
This study presents a novel SERS method using positively charged silver colloids for ultrasensitive, label-free DNA analysis. This technique overcomes limitations in detecting DNA hybridization, mismatches, and methylation with high reproducibility.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- DNA analysis is crucial but faces limitations with current methods like PCR.
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) shows promise for DNA analysis but struggles with reproducibility and sensitivity for double-stranded DNA (dsDNA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and ultrasensitive method for label-free dsDNA analysis using SERS.
- To address the reproducibility and sensitivity issues in SERS-based dsDNA detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized positively charged silver colloids for electrostatic adhesion of dsDNA.
- Induced nanoparticle aggregation to form stable clusters for enhanced SERS signals.
- Analyzed nanogram levels of dsDNA for quantitative recognition of hybridization, single base mismatches, and base methylations.
Main Results:
- Achieved intense and reproducible SERS spectra at nanogram levels of dsDNA.
- Demonstrated quantitative recognition of DNA hybridization events.
- Successfully identified single base mismatches and epigenetic modifications like 5-methylated cytosine and N6-methylated adenine in dsDNA.
Conclusions:
- The proposed SERS strategy offers a simple, ultrasensitive, and reproducible approach for label-free dsDNA analysis.
- This method has significant potential for applications in genetic analysis, including the detection of DNA modifications and sequence variations.
