![Quantitative SERS Detection of Uric Acid via Formation of Precise Plasmonic Nanojunctions within Aggregates of Gold Nanoparticles and Cucurbit[n]uril](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F61682.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
A surface enhanced Raman scattering nanotag library based on cucurbit[7]uril controlled nanoparticle aggregates for
Yuanshuai Zhu1, Xiaobo Li1, Sitang Maknitikul1
1James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|April 21, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a simple method for creating Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) nanotags. These new nanotags offer high sensitivity and multiplexing for bioimaging, overcoming previous synthesis challenges.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Spectroscopy
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) nanotags provide superior sensitivity and multiplexing for bioimaging compared to fluorescence dyes.
- Traditional SERS nanotag synthesis is complex and lacks reproducibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and reproducible method for creating diverse libraries of SERS nanotags.
- To address the limitations of complex synthesis and limited reporter choice in current SERS nanotag technology.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) aggregates using cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) as a molecular glue to incorporate various Raman reporters.
- Utilized thiolated and non-thiolated Raman reporters, including barcoded combinations.
- Coated the SERS nanotag aggregates with functional polyethylene glycols for stability and biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Achieved significant SERS enhancement irrespective of the Raman reporter's metal adsorption properties.
- Created libraries of SERS nanotags with massive barcoding and multiplexing capabilities.
- Demonstrated fast (10 ms/point) cell-particle interaction imaging and multicolor surface biomarker mapping using low laser power.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers a simple, flexible, and reproducible approach to SERS nanotag library creation.
- These SERS nanotags possess great potential for various biological labeling applications requiring high sensitivity, speed, and multiplexing.
