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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
A Filter-based Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Assay for Rapid Detection of Chemical Contaminants
Published on: February 19, 2016
Ultrasensitive detection of trace Hg2+ by SERS aptasensor based on dual recycling amplification in water environment
Cheng Tian1, Lei Zhao2, Jin Zhu1
1Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Due to the nonbiodegradability and accumulation of mercury ion, even in extremely small amount, it will cause varying degrees of harm to environment and human health. Although researchers have developed many strategies to detect and monitor trace Hg2+, only a few provide sensitivities of less than 1.0 pM. Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a common method to detect mercury ion due to its high sensitivity, rapid detection and easy operation. In this work, we report a new SERS aptasensor based on dual recycling amplification for the detection of trace mercury ion, which combines SERS with nucleic acid signal amplification through functional aptamer and elaborately designed hairpin DNA. Under the optimal experimental conditions, this SERS aptasensor exhibits excellent selectivity and high sensitivity. A linear range (0.2-125 fM) and a low detection limit (0.11 fM) are obtained. By using specific aptamers, the strategy will provide a new idea for the trace detection of toxic contaminants in water environment.
