Abstract
Elimination of massive aggregation of nanoparticles in the sample of high ionic strength is a prerequisite for the sensitive analysis through a surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry (SERS). We present a system of silver colloid modification composed of two thiolated modifiers (3-mercaptopropionic acid and thiolated polyethylene glycol) both creating a strong Ag-S bond. At their optimal molar ratio, the polymer acts as a steric barrier preventing direct nanoparticle–nanoparticle interaction, while the low-molecular organic acid creates areas accessible for the analyte molecules. Thus, this approach is an excellent tool for sustaining both the colloidal stability and SERS sensitivity. The functionality of the system was demonstrated on the SERS analysis of myoglobin from a saline solution. The favorable creation of hot spots was achieved by laser-induced sintering.
Highlights
Surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry (SERS) combines the potential of Raman spectrometry for a definite identification of an analyte with remarkable sensitivity achieved by the surface enhancement effect occurring on metal nanoparticles [1]
Therein, we have introduced a promising bi-ligand strategy of surface modification for improved stability at a sustained SERS performance
The essence of the coating lies in the combination of a steric barrier and accessible locations
Summary
Surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry (SERS) combines the potential of Raman spectrometry for a definite identification of an analyte with remarkable sensitivity achieved by the surface enhancement effect occurring on metal nanoparticles [1]. Since the surface enhancement effect employed in SERS can occur only on nanostructures, the uncontrolled aggregation process can severely influence the sensitivity of the measurement. Commonly used polymeric modifiers act as a barrier shielding an analyte from the electromagnetic field at the nanoparticle surface [10,11].
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