Multi-metal, Multi-wavelength Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection of Neurotransmitters

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Neurological diseases require sensitive diagnostic tools.
• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) shows promise for neurotransmitter detection.
• Limited research exists on SERS substrate metal and excitation wavelength effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate SERS sensors for rapid detection of seven neurotransmitters.
• To evaluate the impact of silver and gold nanoparticles as SERS substrates.
• To determine the optimal excitation wavelengths for neurotransmitter detection.

Main Methods:

• Utilized SERS with silver and gold nanoparticles.
• Detected melatonin, serotonin, glutamate, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
• Employed excitation wavelengths of 532 nm, 633 nm, and 785 nm.

Main Results:

• Achieved an average SERS enhancement factor of 10^5–10^6.
• Observed varying SERS enhancement across different metals and wavelengths.
• Identified maximum SERS enhancement at 785 nm for gold and 633 nm for silver nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

• SERS sensors offer a viable method for rapid neurotransmitter detection.
• The choice of metal substrate and excitation wavelength significantly impacts SERS enhancement.
• Optimized SERS conditions can advance the diagnosis of neurological disorders.