Detection Of Melamine Research Articles

Simultaneous detection of melamine and cyanuric acid using powder X‐ray diffraction

AbstractA novel, non‐destructive, powder X‐ray diffraction (P‐XRD) approach was developed and validated for the simultaneous detection of melamine (ME) and cyanuric acid (CA). Sample holders, and a range of P‐XRD X‐ray tube parameters (voltage: 25–45 kV; current: 25–45 mA), and scanning conditions (scan step size: 0.006–0.10°; step time: 50–150 s) were experimented at 2θ conditions. Based on the obtained diffraction patterns, the following conditions were optimized: sample holder: reflection‐transmission spinner, tube voltage: 45 kV, tube current: 45 mA, scan step size: 0.006°, and scan step time: 150 s. The crystalline properties were assessed and phase quantification of both ME and CA was performed using Rietveld refinement, aligning to the International Center for Diffraction Data (ICDD) PDF4+ 2023 library. The approach was validated considering repeatability, precision, and linearity, and recovery and stability studies also support the findings. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.2 to 1 wt. % per phase of powder sample. Then, spiked and real food powder samples were screened for ME and CA. To date, there is no nondestructive technique available to simultaneously detect ME and CA in a single run. The developed P‐XRD approach can find vast applications in quality testing facilities.

Layer-by-Layer Biopolymer Assembly for the In Situ Fabrication of AuNP Plasmonic Paper-A SERS Substrate for Food Adulteration Detection.

Here, we introduce an environmentally friendly approach to fabricate a simple and cost-effective plasmonic paper for detecting food additives using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The plasmonic paper is fabricated by in situ growth of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on filter paper (FP). To facilitate this green fabrication process, we applied a double-layered coating of biopolymers, chitosan (CS) and alginate (ALG), onto the FP using a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly through electrostatic interactions. Compared to single-layer biopolymer coatings, double-layered biopolymer-coated paper, ALG/CS/FP, significantly improves the reduction properties. Consequently, effective in situ growth of AuNPs can be achieved as seen in high density of AuNP formation on the substrate. The resulting plasmonic paper provides high SERS performance with an enhancement factor (EF) of 5.7 × 1010 and a low limit of detection (LOD) as low as 1.37 × 10-12 M 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA). Furthermore, it exhibits spot-to-spot reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 8.2% for SERS analysis and long-term stability over 50 days. This paper-based SERS substrate is applied for melamine (MEL) detection with a low detection limit of 0.2 ppb, which is sufficient for monitoring MEL contamination in milk based on food regulations. Additionally, we demonstrate a simultaneous detection of β-agonists, including ractopamine (RAC) and salbutamol (SAL), exhibiting the multiplexing capability and versatility of the plasmonic paper in food contaminant analysis. The development of this simple plasmonic paper through the LbL biopolymer assembly not only paves the way for novel SERS substrate fabrication but also broadens the application of SERS technology in food contaminant monitoring.

Bismuth sulfide micro flowers decorated nickel foam as a promising electrochemical sensor for quantitative analysis of melamine in bottled milk samples

Here, we demonstrate hydrothermally grown bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) micro flowers decorated nickel foam (NF) for electrochemical detection of melamine in bottled milk samples. The orthorhombic phase of hydrothermally grown Bi2S3 is confirmed by the detailed characterization of x-ray diffraction and its high surface area micro flowers-like morphology is investigated via field emission scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the surface chemical oxidation state and binding energy of Bi2S3/NF micro flowers is analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. The sensor exhibits a wide linear range of detection from 10 ng l−1 to 1 mg l−1 and a superior sensitivity of 3.4 mA cm−2 to melamine using differential pulse voltammetry technique, with a lower limit of detection (7.1 ng l−1). The as-fabricated sensor is highly selective against interfering species of p-phenylenediamine (PPDA), cyanuric acid (CA), aniline, ascorbic acid, glucose (Glu), and calcium ion (Ca2+). Real-time analysis done in milk by the standard addition method shows an excellent recovery percentage of ̴ 98%. The sensor’s electrochemical mechanism studies reveal that the high surface area bismuth sulfide micro flowers surface interacts strongly with melamine molecules through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, resulting in a significant change in the sensor’s electrical properties while 3D skeletal Nickel foam as a substrate provides stability, enhances its catalytic activity by providing a more number /of active sites and facilitates rapid electron transfer. The work presented here confirms Bi2S3/NF as a high-performance electrode that can be used for the detection of other biomolecules used in clinical diagnosis and biomedical research.

A Three-Dimensional Hydrophobic Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensor via a Silver-Coated Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane for the Direct Trace Detection of Molecules in Water.

We report a three-dimensional (3D) SERS substrate consisting of a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coating on the skeleton-fiber surfaces of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. Simple thermal evaporation was employed to deposit Ag onto the PTFE membrane to produce grape-shaped AgNPs. The 3D-distributed AgNPs exhibit not only strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) but also strong hydrophobic performance. High-density hotspots via silver nano-grape structures and nanogaps, the large 3D interaction volume, and the large total surface area, in combination with the hydrophobic enrichment of the specimen, facilitate high-sensitivity sensing performance of such a SERS substrate for the direct detection of low-concentration molecules in water. An enhancement factor of up to 1.97 × 1010 was achieved in the direct detection of R6G molecules in water with a concentration of 10-13 mol/L. The lowest detection limit of 100 ppt was reached in the detection of melamine in water. Such a SERS sensor may have potential applications in food-safety control, environmental water pollution monitoring, and biomedical analysis.

Gold nanoparticles with natural polymer synthesized by plasma–liquid interactions: Size-control, characterization and colorimetric detection of melamine based on the size effect of gold nanoparticles

This work reports the synthesis of size-controlled gold nanoparticles as AuNP colloids in aqueous solutions with capping natural polymer matrices – the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, using a liquid-phase plasma process. The effects of the solution plasma process discharge time, concentrations of gold(III) chloride trihydrate precursor (0.06–2.5 mmol/L) and correlations of the precursor/CMC ratios on the characteristics on the synthesized Au NPs, including size distribution and optical absorption properties, were investigated. The average size (20–90 nm) and form (spherical, hexagonal and triangular) of the AuNPs can be change depending on the initial concentration of Au3+ and the ratios of precursor/CMC on the process synthesis. Gold nanoparticles were used to study a straightforward colorimetric detection of melamine. Melamine caused the AuNPs to agglomerate in aqueous solution, changing their visible color from red to blue. The prepared AuNPs can be used for the detection of melamine with a low LOD and an extremely wide linear range (0.005–0.21 μM.).

Molecularly imprinted polypyrrole-based electrochemical melamine sensors

This study describes the development of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) polypyrrole-based (Ppy-based) electrochemical melamine sensor. Two different modifications of polymeric layers in the design of MIP-based melamine sensor systems were assessed. The addition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) or gold(I) complexes in the polymerization solution containing pyrrole was studied. The characteristics of all polypyrrole layers were evaluated indirectly using a [Fe(CN)6]3–/[Fe(CN)6]4– as a redox probe by application of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The most optimal results were obtained when the MIP polymerization was prepared from a solution containing 50 mM pyrrole, 5 mM melamine, and 0.05 nM 3.5 nm diameter AuNPs. Under these conditions, the observed response of MIP to melamine was 6.61 times greater than that of non-imprinted polymer (NIP). To further characterize the detection of melamine, overoxidized forms of both MIP and NIP were employed. The utilization of MIP resulted in a linear correlation within the concentration range from 50 nM to 5 µM melamine, with an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 0.83 nM melamine.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering using flower-like Ag/ZnO as active substrates for the label-free and sensitive detection of rhodamine 6G and melamine.

The reliable and accurate detection of unauthorized additives in food is significant to prevent health risks. In recent years, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with fast, simple, and sensitive capabilities has been widely used for food safety analysis. In order to detect illegally added dye molecule rhodamine 6G and small molecule melamine in food, we have proposed a fast, convenient, and label-free SERS detection technology using flower-like Ag/ZnO as the SERS substrate. The structure and morphology of the flower-like Ag/ZnO were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometery, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. We investigated the SERS effect and sensitivity of flower-like Ag/ZnO toward rhodamine 6G and melamine. The synergistic effect of flower-like Ag/ZnO provides high SERS activity for the detection of rhodamine 6G and melamine at the lowest detection concentrations of 0.5 ng mL-1 and 1.0 ng mL-1, respectively. Therefore, flower-like Ag/ZnO with good sensitivity and uniformity has potential for improving the detection of illegal food additives.

Carboxyl-functionalized two-dimensional MXene-Au nanocomposites were prepared as SERS substrates for the detection of melamine in dairy products.

In the present study, we address the limitations of conventional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) techniques for sensitive and stable detection of melamine in food products, especially dairy. To overcome these challenges, we developed a novel SERS-active substrate by incorporating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto carboxyl-functionalized two-dimensional (2D) MXene material doped with nitrides, specifically Au-Ti2N-COOH. Our strategy leverages the unique physicochemical properties of MXene, a class of atomically thin, 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides, with tunable surface functionalities. By modifying the MXene surface with AuNPs and introducing carboxyl groups (-COOH), we successfully enhanced the interaction between the substrate and melamine molecules. The carboxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with the amino groups on the melamine's triazine ring, facilitating the adsorption of melamine molecules within the 'hotspot' regions responsible for SERS signal amplification. A series of characterization methods were used to confirm the successful synthesis of Au-Ti2N-COOH composites.Using Au-Ti2N-COOH as the SERS substrate, we detected melamine in spiked dairy product samples with significantly enhanced sensitivity and stability compared to nitride-doped MXene alone. The detection limit in liquid milk stands at 3.7008 μg kg-1, with spike recovery rates ranging from 99.84% to 107.55% and an approximate RSD of 5%. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach in designing a label-free, rapid, and robust SERS platform for the accurate quantitation of melamine contamination in food, thereby mitigating health risks associated with melamine adulteration.

Trace level detection of melamine and cyanuric acid extracted from pet liquid food (milk) using a SERS Au nanogap substrate

This study reported an application of Au nanogap substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements to quantitatively analyze melamine and its derivative products at trace levels in pet liquid food (milk) combined with a waveband selection approach, namely variable importance in projection (VIP). Six different concentrations of melamine, cyanuric acid, and melamine combined with cyanuric acid were created, and SERS spectra were acquired from 550 to 1620cm−1. Detection was possible up to 200 pM for melamine-contaminated samples, and 400 pM concentration detection for other two groups. The VIP-PLSR models obtained correlation coefficient (R2) values of 0.997, 0.985, and 0.981, with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) values of 18.492 pM, 19.777 pM, and 15.124 pM for prediction datasets. Additionally, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to classify both pure and different concentrations of spiked samples. The results showed that the maximum classification accuracy for melamine was 100%, for cyanuric acid it was 96%, and for melamine coupled with cyanuric acid it was 95%. The results obtained clearly demonstrated that the Au nanogap substrate offers low-concentration, rapid, and efficient detection of hazardous additive chemicals in pet consuming liquid food.

Development of a new phosphorescence sensor based on surface molecularly imprinted Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots for detection of melamine in milk products

This paper presents a novel room temperature phosphorescence sensor (IMIPs-ZnS QDs RTP sensor) based on inorganic surface molecularly imprinted polymers and Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) for the rapid detection of trace melamine (MEL) in commercial milk products. The surface of Mn-ZnS QDs was modified with 3-(mercaptopropyl) trimethoxy silane (MPTS). Then, MEL, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) were used as a template/target molecule, functional monomer, and cross-linker, respectively. IMIPs-ZnS QDs RTP sensor was characterized using spectrofluorimeter, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, FT-IR, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS).Detection time and linear range for IMIPs-ZnS QDs RTP sensor were 30 min and 4.0–79.2 µM with a correlation coefficient value of 0.9946, respectively. Furthermore, LOD and LOQ values were calculated using Stern-Volmer equation as 0.29 and 0.97 µM, respectively. Thus, IMIPs-ZnS QDs RTP sensor was successfully applied for the detection of MEL residue in milk samples. Recovery values were in the range of 88.62–90.22 % with relatively high precision values (0.57–0.92 % RSD). Our findings indicate that the developed IMIPs-ZnS QDs RTP sensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity towards the MEL in milk sample containing potentially relatively high number of interfering compounds.

Optical detection of fat and adulterants concentration milk using TMDC (WS2 and MoS2)-surface plasmon resonance sensor via high sensitivity and detection accuracy

This paper introduces a surface plasmon resonance sensor for milk fat and melamine concentration detection, utilizing a transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC: WS2 and MoS2) based framework and incorporating an Ag–Pd bimetallic layer. The aim is to provide an innovative approach to monitor fat and melamine levels in milk. The palladium layer offers chemical stability and enhances sensitivity alongside the TMDC layer. Compared to the conventional SPR sensor, the maximum sensitivity, and detection limit are 409.36, 248.96°/RIU, and 0.0085, 0.0140 RIU, for detection of fat and melamine as sensing layer, respectively, related to the WS2 layer. The sensivity of sensor was expanded, due to the expanded field concentrated and profundity of infiltration of the sensor layer, coming about in a bigger interaction volume. The existence of the WS2 layer, with its notable imaginary component of the dielectric constant, enhances sensitivity while simultaneously enlarging the SPR curves. This study concludes that TMDC-Ag-Pd, offer a highly sensitive and efficient means of detecting fat cancentrion and melamine of milk. These findings suggest that TMDC-Ag-Pd optical sensor have great promise for application in the food industry.

Plasmonic nanogrooves for SERS sensing by 3D printing

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy is a widely used analytical technique for detecting chemicals or biological molecules with high sensitivity and high specificity. Enhancing the sensitivity and lowering the detection limits are always the working direction of this research field. Furthermore, direct detection of low-concentration molecules in liquids remains a big challenge. In this work, we construct a SERS device consisting of periodically arranged polylactic acid (PLA) lines that are coated with silver, where the PLA line array is produced by 3D printing technique. The plasmonic nanogroove within the gap between the two adjacent PLA lines is found to be the dominant mechanism for SERS detection. A maximum enhancement factor of 2.26 × 106 has been achieved for the plasmonic nanogroove, with respect to a pure planar glass substrate. A detection limit of lower than 0.5 ppm has been research for such a sensor device in the direct detection of melamine in its aqueous solution. Furthermore, the PLA lines have advantages of biodegradability, biocompatibility, low costs, and thermo-plasticity, making the device environmentally friendly in potential applications in food safety inspection and pollutant detection in water.

Novel rapid detection of melamine based on the synergistic aggregation of gold nanoparticles.

A simple and rapid colorimetric method for the detection of melamine in milk samples is described. Polythymidine oligonucleotide was adsorbed on to the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), protecting it from aggregation. In the presence of melamine, polythymidine oligonucleotide combined with melamine formed a double-strand DNA-like structure, allowing AuNPs aggregation. In the presence of positively charged SYBR Green I (SG I), AuNPs were further aggregated. In the presence of melamine and SG I, aggregation of AuNPs was synergistic. Thus, in this principle, melamine can be detected visually. Plasmon resonance peak changes enabled detection of melamine quantitatively using UV-vis spectroscopy. The limit of detection for this colorimetric method was 16μg L-1 with a good linear range from 19.5μg L-1 to 1.25×103 μg L-1, and detection took only 1min. The method was successfully applied for detection of melamine in milk samples.

An ultra-sensitive detection of Melamine in milk using Rare-earth doped Graphene Quantum Dots- Synthesis and Optical Spectroscopic approach

This work focuses on a rapid and sensitive spectroscopic approach for detecting melamine in food products based on rare-earth Terbium-doped Graphene Quantum Dots (Tb-GQDs) synthesized using microwave and simple chemical conjugation methods. Citric acid and diethylene triamine (DETA) are the precursors of synthesizing GQDs. Terbium, a rare earth element with exceptional fluorescence properties, is doped onto the surface of the GQD to obtain dual photoemission with a broad spectral window and to provide excellent photo-stable characteristics. The as-synthesized Tb-GQDs were characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The synthesized Tb-GQD were spherical with a size of around 6 nm, showing approximately a quantum yield of 52 %, concerning the Standard-Quinine sulfate quantum yield of 54 %. Further, Tb-doped GQDs act as a fluorescent probe, were used to detect and quantify the concentration of melamine (0––5 µM) used as an adulterant in milk and milk products and obtained a maximum detection limit of 0.31 µM. This work concludes that the reported dual emitting Tb-GQDs provide a sensitive and effective platform for detecting melamine in real-time samples, especially in milk, and show promising potential in food industries.

Determination of Melamine by Label-Free Ratiometric Fluorescence Using the Inner-Filter Effect (IFE) between Cadmium Tellurium/Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dots (QDs) and Gold Nanoparticles (Au NPs)

A simple and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent assay has been developed for the determination of melamine based on the inner-filter effect (IFE) between gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and fluorescent quantum dots (QDs). In the IFE-based fluorescent assay, a complementary overlap was established between the absorption spectrum of AuNPs and emission spectrum of cadmium tellurium/cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdTe/CdS QDs). Consequently, AuNPs in the dispersion state quench the emission of green CdTe/CdS QDs at 520 nm (QDs520), while the aggregated AuNPs quench emission of red CdTe/CdS QDs at 680 nm (QDs680). Along with the addition of melamine, the fluorescence of the QDs at 680 nm was quenched while the fluorescence of at 520 nm was recovered by the aggregation of AuNPs so the ratiometric fluorescent detection of melamine was complete. The system determined melamine from 30 to 1030 nM and was employed to determine melamine in milk products with satisfactory recoveries. The simple proposed sensing approach may improve the selectivity and sensitivity of IFE-based ratiometric fluorescent assays.

Laser-induced silver nanoparticles with HfO2 shell for melamine detection

Pure Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized on glass substrates by laser dewetting and then modified with hafnium dioxide (HfO2) by a sputtering process. The optical properties and melamine detection performance of the modified Ag NPs were investigated. The results showed that the Ag NPs produced in the laser dewetting process with accumulated unit volume energies of 0.2–3.67 kJ/mm3s had a size of 51–107 nm. Furthermore, the Ag NPs exhibited an optical absorption peak in the wavelength range of 429–495 nm. A strong Raman signal fingerprint peak was observed at 701 cm−1 in a 10−3 M melamine solution. The corresponding analytical enhancement factor (AEF) was 1.9 × 102. For the Ag@HfO2 NPs, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) occurred at 584–800 nm, with an AEF of 2.3 × 104. The limit of detection for melamine using the Ag@HfO2 NPs was 10−5 M. Moreover, the Ag@HfO2 NPs showed a more stable Raman spectrum than the Ag NPs. Hence, the potential of the Ag@HfO2 NPs for melamine detection was confirmed.

Optimization of physical vapor deposition process for low background nanoimprinted SERS substrate in quantitative melamine analysis

Uniformity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and cost are the critical parameters of practical surface-enhanced-Raman-spectroscopy (SERS) substrates. Herein, we proposed a High-Aspect-Ratio-Nano-Pillar-Array (HARNPA) substrate deposited silver by physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods (e.g. E-beam evaporation, sputtering, and a two-stage intermittent sputtering) to fabricate high-performance SERS substrates. The substrate by the E-beam evaporation has a significant SERS effect, but the Raman background induced by the exposure of the polymer HARNPA limits the analyte choice. The substrate by the sputtering method has better step coverage of silver but a lower enhancement factor. Therefore, we proposed a process of two-stage intermittent sputtering to solve these limitations. In addition, we define a factor called the signal-to-background peak ratio (S/B peak ratio) to evaluate the influence of the Raman background from the SERS substrate. Finally, we accomplished a SERS substrate with an S/B peak ratio of 3.48 by intermittent sputtering, which has the best linearity (R2 = 0.97) of the melamine concentration curve and the lowest detection limit (LoD = 5.6 × 10-7 M) that meets the regulatory requirements for melamine detection (3.96 × 10-6 M). The benefits of our SERS substrates are easy fabrication, high sensitivity (EF = 1.44 × 107), high reproducibility (CV = 8.4 %), and excellent uniformity (CV = 7 % in 4″ area), which are beneficial for mass production in the future.

Carbon dots derived from citric acid and urea as fluorometric probe for determining melamine contamination in infant formula sample

Melamine has been intentionally added into food products to increase the protein count at less cost, especially in dairy products for infant resulting in serious adverse effects on health of consumers. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a method to quantify melamine in dairy products based on the change of fluorescent properties of carbon dots (CDs) as sensing probe. CDs with green-fluorescent emission were synthesized from citric acid and urea under microwave irradiation. The synthesized CDs emitted fluorescence at the maximum wavelength of 538 nm with excitation wavelength of 410 nm. Thus, they provided high sensitivity and selectivity on melamine detection by which fluorescent emission of the CDs was increasingly quenched upon increasing melamine concentrations. Optimal conditions for melamine determination using the CDs was under pH 6, volume ratio between CDs and sample of 2:8 and reaction time of 15 min. The developed method provided high precision of melamine determination with less than 5% of %RSD (n = 5), wide detection range from 1.0 to 200.0 ppm, and high sensitivity with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.47 ppm and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.56 ppm, which is within the regulated level by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States for melamine in dairy products. Several analytical characterization techniques were conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism between CDs and melamine, and the hydrogen bonding interaction was proposed.

A new difunctional liquid crystal nanosurface molecularly imprinted polyitaconic acid nanoprobe for SERS/RRS determination of ultratrace melamine

In this paper, a new dimode scattering spectral method for rapid detection of ultratrace melamine (ML) in dairy products was established by coupling nanosurface molecular imprinting technology with nanocatalytic amplification reaction of liquid crystal particles. It was found that liquid crystal cholesteryl butyrate (CBU) nanosurface imprinted polymers (CBU@MIP) not only recognized ML but also catalyzed the nano indicator reaction of HAuCl4-sodium formate to produce gold nanoparticles with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) effect. When ML was added, it specifically combined with CBU@MIP to form CBU@MIP-ML conjugates with strong catalytic activity, and SERS and RRS signals increased linearly with the detection limits of 0.0072 pmol/L and 0.093 pmol/L respectively. The method was applied to the determination of ML in dairy products and plastic tablewares with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.2–4.4 % and 1.6–4.7 %, and recovery of 95.4 %-108.3 % and 95.9–108.6 % respectively.

Sensitive and high laser damage threshold substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering based on gold and silver nanoparticles.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a sensitive and fast technique for sensing applications such as chemical trace analysis. However, a successful, high-throughput practical implementation necessitates the availability of simple-to-use and economical SERS substrates. In this work, we present a robust, reproducible, flexible and yet cost-effective SERS substrate suited for the sensitive detection of analytes at near-infrared (NIR) excitation wavelengths. The fabrication is based on a simple dropcast deposition of silver or gold nanomaterials on an aluminium foil support, making the design suitable for mass production. The fabricated SERS substrates can withstand very high average Raman laser power of up to 400mW in the NIR wavelength range while maintaining a linear signal response of the analyte. This enables a combined high signal enhancement potential provided by (i) the field enhancement via the localized surface plasmon resonance introduced by the noble metal nanomaterials and (ii) additional enhancement proportional to an increase of the applicable Raman laser power without causing the thermal decomposition of the analyte. The application of the SERS substrates for the trace detection of melamine and rhodamine 6G is demonstrated, which shows limits of detection smaller than 0.1ppm and analytical enhancement factors on the order of 104 as compared to bare aluminium foil.