A versatile biomolecular detection platform based on photo-induced enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Biomolecular Detection

Background:

• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique for sensitive biomolecule detection.
• Developing versatile platforms for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a versatile biomolecular detection platform utilizing the photo-induced enhanced Raman spectroscopy (PIERS) effect.
• To achieve ultrasensitive detection of multiple analytes by combining aptamer recognition with plasmonic nanoparticles and photo-activated substrates.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of TiO2@AgNP substrates and their integration with Raman tag-labeled gold nanoparticles probes.
• Utilizing aptamers for specific analyte recognition to form sandwich complexes.
• Employing ultraviolet irradiation to enhance Raman signals via the PIERS effect.

Main Results:

• The PIERS sensor demonstrated significantly enhanced sensitivity compared to conventional SERS.
• The platform successfully detected multiple analytes: adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 nM, thrombin with an LOD of 50 pM, and cocaine with an LOD of 5 nM.
• The sensor exhibited versatility by accommodating different aptamers for various biomolecules.

Conclusions:

• The developed PIERS sensor provides a versatile and ultrasensitive platform for the detection of diverse biomolecules.
• This technology holds significant promise for practical applications in biomolecular analysis and diagnostics.