Cyclodextrin-assisted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: a critical review.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) selectivity is a significant challenge.
• Modifying SERS substrates with recognition molecules is a common strategy.
• Cyclodextrins (CDs) are emerging recognition molecules for SERS, with limited research available.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze existing literature on the use of CDs in SERS analysis.
• To investigate the physicochemical aspects of CD complexation.
• To evaluate the impact of CDs on Raman enhancement.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of papers published since 1993 on CDs in SERS.
• Analysis of studies on CD-analyte complexation.
• Examination of the effect of CDs on SERS signal amplification.

Main Results:

• Conflicting information exists regarding the efficiency of CDs in SERS.
• The complexation behavior of CDs and their influence on SERS enhancement require further study.
• The overall potential of CDs in SERS-based analysis is not yet definitively established.

Conclusions:

• Further experimental research is essential to clarify the role and efficiency of CDs in SERS.
• Understanding CD complexation is key to optimizing their application in SERS.
• More data is needed to fully realize the potential of CDs for selective SERS detection.