Highly sensitive and repeatable DNA-SERS detection system using silver nanowires-glass fiber filter substrate

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers high sensitivity for molecular detection.
• Developing simple and reliable DNA detection methods is crucial for diagnostics.
• Existing methods may lack the sensitivity or convenience for on-site applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, highly sensitive, and reliable DNA detection method using SERS.
• To utilize a silver nanowire stacked-glass fiber filter substrate for enhanced SERS signals.
• To validate the method for on-site molecular diagnostics, particularly with isothermal amplification.

Main Methods:

• Employing SERS technology with a silver nanowire stacked-glass fiber filter substrate.
• Utilizing a DNA-intercalating dye (EVAGreen) and a reference dye (ROX) for signal normalization.
• Quantifying DNA amplicons by correcting EVAGreen SERS intensity with ROX SERS intensity.
• Applying multivariate analysis (partial least square) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Main Results:

• A novel SERS-based DNA detection method was established.
• The method demonstrated improved repeatability and reliability of SERS signals.
• Sensitivity was approximately 100 times higher than conventional fluorescence-based methods.
• Successful application to loop-mediated isothermal amplification for potential on-site diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• The developed DNA-SERS detection method is simple, sensitive, repeatable, affordable, and convenient.
• It holds significant potential for on-site molecular diagnostics.
• The method is adaptable to various isothermal amplification techniques.