Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025

11:44
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection of Biomolecules Using EBL Fabricated Nanostructured Substrates
Published on: March 20, 2015
20.3K
Silver microplasma-engineered nanoassemblies on periodic nanostructures for SERS applications.
Zhuo-Fu Wang1, Kai-Chun Tsai1, Wei-Hung Chiang2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, 10607, Taiwan. djsam@mail.ntust.edu.tw.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|September 6, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed advanced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using periodic nanostructures and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These stable, high-performance SERS substrates offer excellent uniformity and sensitivity for chemical detection.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) requires substrates with high surface area and uniformity for optimal performance.
- Existing SERS substrates often suffer from signal variability and limited stability.
- Minimizing background signals from substrate materials is crucial for sensitive detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the performance and stability of SERS substrates.
- To develop a cost-effective and reproducible fabrication method for SERS substrates.
- To achieve a low limit of detection and high enhancement factor for SERS applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of periodic nanostructures on polymer substrates using magnetron sputtering to reduce background signal.
- Deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via microplasma nanoparticle coating to enhance SERS efficacy.
- Characterization of substrate uniformity, stability, and SERS performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved excellent uniformity with a coefficient of variation (CV) of ~8% for individual substrates and 6% between batches.
- Demonstrated high signal stability, retaining 85% signal strength after two months of storage.
- Obtained a low limit of detection of 8.4 × 10-7 M for malachite green with an enhancement factor of 2.69 × 106.
Conclusions:
- The developed SERS substrates meet commercial product standards for uniformity and stability.
- The proposed fabrication method offers a promising route for producing high-performance SERS devices.
- These substrates are suitable for sensitive and reliable chemical detection applications.

