Alkyne-Modulated Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Palette for Optical Interference-Free and Multiplex Cellular...

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular spectroscopy
• Nanomaterials science
• Chemical biology

Background:

• Alkyne tags exhibit interference-free Raman emissions but suffer from weak spontaneous Raman scattering, limiting their use as biochemical labels.
• Computational chemistry guided the design of novel alkyne-modulated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tags.

Discussion:

• The developed SERS tags utilize a Au@Ag core for optical enhancement and a polyallylamine shell for protection and conjugation.
• These tags demonstrate high discernibility in pigment-rich plant cells, unaffected by autofluorescence or resonance-enhanced Raman scattering.
• The alkynyl group's position on the mercaptobenzene ring is crucial for narrow emission, tunable band shifts (2100-2300 cm⁻¹), and enhanced Raman signals.

Key Insights:

• Alkyne-modulated SERS tags provide a robust spectroscopic signature for biochemical labeling.
• The tags overcome spectral interferences common in complex biological samples.
• Tunable Raman bands and enhanced signals facilitate multiplex imaging.

Outlook:

• This alkyne-modulated SERS palette offers a promising solution for multiplex cellular imaging with vibrant colors.
• The technology addresses challenges posed by hyperspectral and intense optical noise in complex environments.
• Further development could expand applications in diagnostics and high-throughput screening.