![Quantitative SERS Detection of Uric Acid via Formation of Precise Plasmonic Nanojunctions within Aggregates of Gold Nanoparticles and Cucurbit[n]uril](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F61682.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Pillar[5]arene-Based Supramolecular Plasmonic Thin Films for Label-Free, Quantitative and Multiplex SERS Detection
Verónica Montes-García1, Borja Gómez-González2, Diego Martínez-Solís3
1Departamento de Química Física y Centro Singular de Investigaciones biomédicas (CINBIO), Universidade de Vigo , 36310 Vigo, Spain.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 20, 2017
Summary
Novel plasmonic thin films using gold nanoparticles and host molecules enable ultrasensitive detection of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform offers quantitative and multiplexed sensing capabilities for PAHs in liquid and gas phases.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics and Nanomaterials
- Chemical Sensing and Spectroscopy
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Development of advanced plasmonic thin films is crucial for sensitive detection applications.
- Electrostatic layer-by-layer assembly offers a versatile method for fabricating nanostructured films.
- Host molecules can enhance analyte affinity and detection limits in sensing platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel plasmonic thin films using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and ammonium pillar[5]arene (AP[5]A).
- To investigate the influence of deposition cycles on film properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) efficiency.
- To evaluate the potential of these films for ultrasensitive and multiplexed detection of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of AuNP-AP[5]A thin films via electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition.
- Characterization using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
- SERS efficiency evaluation with pyrene probe under different laser excitations; optical and SERS simulations using M³ solver.
Main Results:
- Controlled formation of plasmonic hot spots with uniform interparticle distances achieved.
- Modulation of Au aggregate density and optical response by varying deposition cycles; larger aggregates observed with more cycles.
- Optimal SERS performance achieved with two deposition cycles ((AuNP-AP[5]A)₂) using 785 nm laser excitation.
- Ultradetection of PAHs in liquid and gas phases demonstrated, with quantitative detection achieved in specific concentration ranges.
- Successful multiplexed detection of three different PAHs.
Conclusions:
- Supramolecular-induced LbL assembly provides precise control over plasmonic thin film architecture.
- The (AuNP-AP[5]A)₂ films exhibit excellent SERS activity and are effective for ultrasensitive, quantitative, and multiplexed PAH detection.
- This plasmonic platform demonstrates significant potential for environmental monitoring and chemical sensing.
