Quantitative Analysis of Trace Analytes with Highly Sensitive SERS Tags on Hydrophobic Interface

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers potential for trace substance detection using plasmonic nanostructures.
• Existing SERS methods face challenges in quantitative analysis due to poor enrichment efficiency and signal reproducibility.
• Developing stable and sensitive SERS substrates is crucial for reliable trace detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and verify a novel SERS substrate for enhanced sensitivity and stability.
• To address limitations in quantitative trace substance analysis using SERS.
• To demonstrate the application of the developed SERS substrate for environmental monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of gold nanospheres with an internal standard (Au@IS@Au NSs) as SERS substrates.
• Testing SERS sensitivity and stability using methyl blue as a model analyte in aqueous solutions.
• Application of the SERS substrate for quantitative detection of antibiotic residues in aquaculture water samples.

Main Results:

• The Au@IS@Au NSs substrates exhibited exceptional sensitivity for methyl blue detection over a wide concentration range (10⁻⁴ M to 10⁻¹³ M).
• The SERS strategy enabled quantitative detection of antibiotics from 10⁻⁴ M to 10⁻¹⁰ M.
• Trace antibiotic residues on shrimp in aquaculture were detected with a low limit of 10⁻⁹ M.

Conclusions:

• The novel Au@IS@Au NSs approach significantly enhances sensitivity and stability in SERS.
• This method provides a feasible pathway for the rapid and quantitative detection of trace substances.
• The innovative SERS strategy represents a significant advancement in environmental detection and analytical methodologies.