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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
A Filter-based Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Assay for Rapid Detection of Chemical Contaminants
Published on: February 19, 2016
A highly sensitive SERS-based platform for Zn(ii) detection in cellular media
Hongjun Zhuang1, Zhenzhen Wang1, Xiangchun Zhang1
1CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China. limin@ihep.ac.cn yaozy@ihep.ac.cn zhaoyuliang@ihep.ac.cn.
We developed a highly sensitive method using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to detect zinc ions in water. This technique achieves a detection limit of 10-14 M, enabling accurate analysis in drinking water and biological samples.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Sensing
Background:
- Zinc ions (Zn(ii)) are essential micronutrients but toxic at high concentrations.
- Accurate quantification of Zn(ii) is crucial for environmental monitoring and understanding biological processes.
- Existing detection methods may lack the required sensitivity or selectivity for certain applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly sensitive and selective method for detecting aqueous Zn(ii) ions.
- To demonstrate the applicability of the developed method for real-world samples.
Main Methods:
- Utilized surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy.
- Employed silver nanoparticles functionalized with a Raman reporter.
- Monitored spectral shifts upon chelation of Zn(ii) ions.
Main Results:
- Achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 10-14 M for Zn(ii) ions.
- Demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity in aqueous solutions.
- Successfully applied the assay to analyze Zn(ii) in drinking water samples.
Conclusions:
- The SERS-based assay provides a highly sensitive and selective platform for Zn(ii) detection.
- The method is suitable for analyzing Zn(ii) in environmental and biological samples, including cellular uptake studies.
