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TNF-α detection using gold nanoparticles as a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate
Elizabeth Loredo-García1, Alejandra Ortiz-Dosal2, Juan Manuel Núñez-Leyva2
1Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí. 550 Sierra Leona Ave., 78210 San Luis Potosí, SLP, México.
Nanomedicine (London, England)
|December 28, 2020
Summary
This study demonstrates Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for detecting Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α). Gold nanoparticles enabled sensitive detection of TNF-α at very low concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a key cytokine implicated in inflammatory processes.
- Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) offers potential for sensitive biomolecule detection.
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are explored as effective SERS substrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify TNF-α in aqueous solutions using AuNPs as a SERS substrate.
- To establish a SERS-based method for quantifying TNF-α.
Main Methods:
- Raman and SERS spectra were acquired for varying TNF-α concentrations.
- AuNPs were synthesized and characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy.
- Optical transmission spectroscopy was employed for sample analysis.
Main Results:
- Characterization confirmed AuNP size around 9.6 nm.
- Observed Raman bands correlated with aromatic amino acid side chains in TNF-α.
- SERS detected TNF-α at concentrations as low as 0.125 pg/ml.
Conclusions:
- SERS successfully detected TNF-α in aqueous solutions.
- The method achieved high sensitivity, detecting TNF-α at physiologically relevant concentrations.
- AuNPs serve as a viable substrate for SERS-based TNF-α detection.
