Solid chip-based detection of trace morphine in solutions via portable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Accurate and portable detection of morphine is crucial for judicial cases but presents significant challenges.
• Existing methods for trace morphine detection often lack the required sensitivity, portability, or efficiency for on-site analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible and efficient method for accurate identification and detection of trace morphine in solutions.
• To create a portable and reliable solid substrate/chip for on-site surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis of morphine.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a gold-coated jagged silicon nanoarray (Au-JSiNA) using colloidal template-reactive ion etching and sputtering deposition.
• Utilizing the Au-JSiNA as a SERS chip for detecting trace morphine in solutions via dropping and soaking methods.
• Investigating the effect of surface modification with specific thiols on SERS performance.

Main Results:

• The developed Au-JSiNA chip exhibits a three-dimensional nanostructure with high SERS activity and a hydrophobic surface.
• Trace morphine detection in solutions achieved a limit of detection below 10^-4 mg/mL.
• The chip demonstrated suitability for detecting morphine in aqueous solutions and domestic sewage, with enhanced performance after surface modification.

Conclusions:

• A facile route and practical solid chip (Au-JSiNA) for SERS detection of trace morphine in solutions have been established.
• The developed SERS chip offers high sensitivity, accuracy, and portability for on-site drug analysis.
• This work contributes to the development of reliable instruments for real-time detection of illicit substances.