Au/ZnSe-Based Surface Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy as a Universal Platform for Bioanalysis.

Area of Science:

• Spectroscopy
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Label-free bioanalysis is crucial for understanding molecular interactions.
• Existing surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) methods have limitations in spectral range and sensitivity.
• Gold nanoparticles on substrates are key for enhancing infrared signals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile and sensitive platform for label-free bioanalysis.
• To utilize a novel Au/ZnSe enhancement substrate for ATR-SEIRAS.
• To achieve a wide spectral range down to 700 cm⁻¹ for enhanced analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Au/ZnSe enhancement substrate via electroless deposition of Au nanoparticles on ZnSe prisms.
• Utilizing attenuated total reflection-surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS).
• Demonstrating the platform's capability in the fingerprint region.

Main Results:

• Stable deposition of Au nanoparticles on ZnSe through Au-Se bonds.
• Achieved an enhancement factor approximately two times greater than Au/Si substrates.
• Obtained detailed structural information and quantitative analysis of biomolecular interactions.

Conclusions:

• The Au/ZnSe substrate provides a versatile and sensitive platform for label-free bioanalysis.
• The developed ATR-SEIRAS method enables comprehensive analysis of DNA hybridization and immunoreactions.
• This approach offers significant advantages over existing labeling techniques.