Novel Molecular Specific Detection of Glucose Using a Raman Probe Molecule with Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering

Abstract

We report on two new and improved glucose detection techniques based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy that are molecular specific to glucose and sensitive in the physiological concentration range (0.9 to 30 mM). Two novel methods were designed and evaluated to enhance the SERS signal of a Raman probe molecule towards glucose detection. The first method utilizes solid gold nanoparticle-coated zinc oxide nanowires (AuNP–ZnONWs) as a SERS substrate together with a Raman probe molecule, 3,3 � boronic benzyl viologen (BBV), designed to bind specifically to glucose for its detection via SERS of BBV. The second method, utilizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a SERS substrate with BBV, enables glucose detection down to a concentration of 0.25 mM with high reproducibility, specificity, and sensitivity. The fundamental mechanism behind each of these approaches is analyzed and discussed. Electrostatic interaction between the substrate and BBV is found to be most critical in determining SERS activity. This work holds potential for development of a molecular specific, sensitive, and noninvasive glucose detection method for monitoring diabetes.