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Formation of Gold Nanoparticle Self-Assembling Films in Various Polymer Matrices for SERS Substrates
Ksenia A Maleeva1, Ilia E Kaliya1, Anton P Tkach1
1Center of Information Optical Technologies, ITMO University, 197101 Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate using self-assembling plasmonic nanoparticle films within a polymer matrix. This optimized SERS substrate demonstrates enhanced sensitivity for detecting analytes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique for chemical analysis.
- Developing robust and sensitive SERS substrates is crucial for routine applications.
- Self-assembling plasmonic nanoparticle films (SPFs) offer potential for advanced SERS substrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the synthesis of SERS substrates based on self-assembling plasmonic nanoparticle films (SPFs) within polymer matrices.
- To investigate the influence of synthesis parameters on SERS signal enhancement.
- To evaluate the performance of SPFs in different polymer matrices for enhanced analyte detection.
Main Methods:
- Investigated SPF synthesis parameters: nanoparticle size, self-assembling agent concentration and type.
- Tested SERS substrate performance using pseudoisocyanin iodide as a model analyte.
- Incorporated SPFs into various polymer matrices: polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene.
- Evaluated signal enhancement, reproducibility, and minimum detectable concentration.
Main Results:
- Identified optimal parameters for SPF synthesis to maximize SERS signal.
- Polystyrene matrix yielded SERS films with superior signal enhancement and reproducibility.
- Achieved a minimum detectable concentration of 10-10 M.
- Obtained an analytical enhancement factor of 2.7 × 104.
Conclusions:
- Optimized SPF synthesis and incorporation into a polystyrene matrix create a highly sensitive and reproducible SERS substrate.
- The developed SERS substrate significantly enhances detection sensitivity for various analytes, including solids and contamination-sensitive samples.
- This advancement facilitates the routine application of SERS in biological and chemical studies.
