SERS from molecules bridging the gap of particle-in-cavity structures

We demonstrate that by combining silver nanoparticles and structured gold SSV surfaces the SERS for those molecules that bridge the nanoparticle-cavity gap is preferentially enhanced using 4-mercaptoaniline and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid as examples.     

Adsorption mechanisms of sulfathiazole on gold,silver and copper surfaces studied by SERS

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of sulfathiazole was studied in gold, silver and copper colloids as well as on a gold plate. SERS spectra of sulfathiazole in gold and silver colloids indicated chemisorption of molecules on the metal nanoparticles through the amide nitrogen, with the phenyl moiety orthogonally placed and the thiazole ring almost parallel positioned towards the metal surface. Although selectively enhanced phenyl bands pointed to a very similar position of the sulfathiazole molecules on the copper colloid, a chemical bonding was not implied. Unlike adsorption mechanisms and position of the molecules on the colloid metal surfaces, a sideway adsorption of sulfathiazole on the gold plate was proposed. Hereby, both, the amide nitrogen and the thiazole nitrogen were considered responsible for approaching of sulfathiazole to the gold enhancing surface.     

Surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy of B vitamins: what is the effect of SERS-active metals used?

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy and surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy are analytical tools suitable for the detection of small amounts of various analytes adsorbed on metal surfaces. During recent years, these two spectroscopic methods have become increasingly important in the investigation of adsorption of biomolecules and pharmaceuticals on nanostructured metal surfaces. In this work, the adsorption of B-group vitamins pyridoxine, nicotinic acid, folic acid and riboflavin at electrochemically prepared gold and silver substrates was investigated using Fourier transform SERS spectroscopy at an excitation wavelength of 1,064 nm. Gold and silver substrates were prepared by cathodic reduction on massive platinum targets. In the case of gold substrates, oxidation–reduction cycles were applied to increase the enhancement factor of the gold surface. The SERS spectra of riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folic acid and pyridoxine adsorbed on silver substrates differ significantly from SERS spectra of these B-group vitamins adsorbed on gold substrates. The analysis of near-infrared-excited SERS spectra reveals that each of B-group vitamin investigated interacts with the gold surface via a different mechanism of adsorption to that with the silver surface. In the case of riboflavin adsorbed on silver substrate, the interpretation of surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectra was also helpful in investigation of the adsorption mechanism.     

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy study on the structure changes of 4-mercaptopyridine adsorbed on silver substrates and silver colloids

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of 4-mercaptopyridine (4-mpy) adsorbed on HNO3 etched silver foil, chemically deposited silver films (silver mirror) and silver colloids were measured. The SERS study has revealed that 4-mpy was adsorbed onto the three kinds of silver surfaces by a sulfur-silver bond with the plane of pyridine ring being normal to the silver substrates. The structure of 4-mpy adsorbed on the silver surfaces depends largely on the pH values of environment. When the pH values of the environment are changed, the structure of 4-mpy adsorbed on silver surfaces can easily be altered through a protonation or deprotonation reaction occurring on the N atom of the pyridine ring, and the modified structure shows unique characters on the SERS spectrum. Owing to the remarkable enhancement ability of SERS technique and characteristic spectrum of different species, a monolayer of 4-mpy assembled on a silver mirror holds potential as a H+ sensor for highly sensitive detection of the proton concentration in an aqueous solution.     

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering and the adsorption behavior of (RS)-phenylsuccinic acid

The surface geometry of (RS)-phenylsuccinic acid molecule was studied by analysis of the SERS spectra of aromatic dicarboxylic acid adsorbed on silver colloid surfaces. For a reliable analysis of the SERS spectrum, we also performed density functional theoretical calculations. The SERS spectral features indicated that the RSPSA molecules should bound to the silver as dicarboxylate, with a strongly tilted orientation with respect to the normal to the surface. Such a tilted orientation was presumed to occur by the simultaneous sigma and pi-type coordination of carboxylate groups to silver surface caused by the steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion between the two carboxylate groups, and thereby RSPSA on silver was easily displaced with aromatic carboxylic acids. A sigma-type coordination therefore seemed to be more important than a pi-type coordination for aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives to assemble on a silver surface. The large enhancement of in-plane bending, out of plane bending and ring breathing modes in the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrum indicates that the molecule is adsorbed on the silver surface in a 'at least vertical' configuration, with the ring perpendicular to the silver surface.     

Immunoassay using probe-labelling immunogold nanoparticles with silver staining enhancement via surface-enhanced Raman scattering

This paper reports a novel immunoassay based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and immunogold labelling with silver staining enhancement. Immunoreactions between immunogold colloids modified by a Raman-active probe molecule (e.g., 4-mercaptobenzoic acid) and antigens, which were captured by antibody-assembled chips such as silicon or quartz, were detected via SERS signals of Raman-active probe molecule. All the self-assembled steps were subjected to the measurements of ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra to monitor the formation of a sandwich structure onto a substrate. The immunoassay was performed by a sandwich structure consisting of three layers. The first layer was composed of immobilized antibody molecules of mouse polyclonal antibody against Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (PAb) on a silicon or quartz substrate. The second layer was the complementary Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (Antigen) molecules captured by PAb on the substrate. The third layer was composed of the probe-labelling immunogold nanoparticles, which were modified by mouse monoclonal antibody against Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (MAb) and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) as the Raman-active probe on the surface of gold colloids. After silver staining enhancement, the antigen is identified by a SERS spectrum of MBA. A working curve of the intensity of a SERS signal at 1585 cm(-1) due to the [small nu](8a) aromatic ring vibration of MBA versus the concentration of analyte (Antigen) was obtained and the non-optimized detection limit for the Hepatitis B virus surface antigen was found to be as low as 0.5 [micro sign]g mL(-1).     

SERS标记的金纳米棒探针用于免疫检测

报道了基于金纳米棒表面增强拉曼散射(SERS)的免疫检测. 将拉曼活性分子对巯基苯甲酸吸附于金纳米棒表面, 制备出SERS标记的金纳米棒探针. 该探针和蛋白抗体结合形成SERS标记抗体. 通过SERS标记抗体、待测抗原和俘获抗体(固体基底上修饰的抗体, 即俘获抗体)之间的免疫应答反应, 将金纳米棒探针组装到固体基底上, 形成SERS标记抗体-抗原-俘获抗体 “三明治”夹心复合体. 待测抗原浓度越大, 固体基底上俘获的金纳米棒探针的数目越多, 从而可通过SERS信号的强弱来检测待测抗原的浓度. 由于金纳米棒的表面等离子体共振(SPR)峰位置可以在较宽的范围内调控, 可通过激发光和SPR的耦合来提高SERS信号, 从而提高免疫检测的灵敏度. 单组分抗原可检出的浓度范围高于1×10－8 mg/mL.     

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurements on silver nanoparticles covered with differently formed platinum films

Gold and silver electromagnetic nanoresonators covered by a thin layer of platinum are often used to study adsorption of various molecules on “model platinum surfaces” with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. In this contribution spectra of pyridine adsorbed on films formed from core–shell Ag@Pt and Ag@Ag–Pt nanoparticles and pure Pt or Ag nanoparticles were measured using a confocal Raman microscope. The SERS spectra of pyridine adsorbed on alloy Ag@Ag–Pt nanoparticles could not be obtained as a linear combination of spectra measured on pure Ag and Pt surfaces. In other words, for silver electromagnetic nanoresonators covered by platinum there is no simple correlation between the “quality” of the deposited Pt layer and the relative intensity of SERS bands characteristic for adsorbate interacting with silver. The SERS spectra accumulated from various places of a film formed from Ag@Pt or Ag@Ag–Pt nanoclusters may differ significantly. Using Ag@Pt nanoparticles with practically negligible amount of Ag on the surface (as per the stripping measurement), it is possible to record SERS spectrum in which the contribution characteristic for pyridine adsorbed on the Ag surface is well visible. It means that, even for macroscopic samples of core–shell Ag–Pt nanoparticles, averaging of many spectra measured at various locations of the sample should be carried out to characterize reliably their properties.     

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of a series of n-hydroxybenzoic acids (n = P, M and O) on the silver nano-particles

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of a series of n-hydroxybenzoic acids (n-HBA, n = P, M and O) adsorbed on the silver nano-particles were studied, respectively, in the silver colloidal solution and on the dried silver-coated filter paper. On the same substrate, the different molecules' SERS spectra were different, while on the different substrates the same molecules' SERS spectra were also different. Significant changes were found in the SERS spectra of PHBA molecules adsorbed on the two substrates, and the changes found in MHBA's spectra on two substrates were next to PHBA's, while almost no changes were found in the spectra of OHBA molecules. Moreover, it was found, on the filter paper, that the SERS spectra of the same molecules would change with the coverage density of the silver nano-particles. The analyses showed that the origins of these changes were the different adsorption behavior of molecules adsorbed on the silver nano-particles. Because in these three molecules the relative positions of the carboxyls and hydroxyls on the benzenes are different, the adsorption behaviors of these three molecules adsorbed on the silver surfaces are also different. The experimental results suggest that the surface characteristic of the substrate and the surface configuration of the adsorbate could exert a great influence on the adsorption behavior of the adsorbates on the substrates.     

Glucose‐induced and fructose‐induced deboronation reaction of 4‐mercaptophenylboronic acid assembled on silver investigated by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering

We examined the deboronation reaction of 4‐mercaptophenylboronic acid (4MPBA) via fructose and glucose on silver surfaces by means of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) at the excitation wavelengths of 488, 514, and 633 nm. The SERS spectra on silver nanoparticles clearly exhibited specific spectral signatures of thiophenol (TP) peaks, indicating a deboronation reaction of 4MPBA on the surfaces, whereas no strong TP peaks were observed on gold nanoparticles. The vibrational bands at 417, 999, 1021, and 1574 cm^?1 in the Ag SERS spectra could correspond to the in‐plane aromatic ring modes in TP. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy also supported the surface reaction on Ag by referring the B1s peaks at ~193 eV. The ratiometric Raman measurements of the band at 1574 cm^?1, with respect to that at 1587 cm^?1, revealed fructose and glucose quantification in the concentration range of 1–10 mm . We did not identify such changes for mannose, sucrose, and sialic acid. The SERS peaks of 4MPBA on roughened Ag plates also exhibited TP bands to show the time‐dependent spectral change. Our findings indicate that the deboronation of 4MPBA and conjugation with fructose and glucose may be facilitated efficiently on silver surfaces for their quantification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SnO2纳米粒子作为SERS基底的研究

采用溶胶-水热法制备了不同尺寸的SnO2纳米粒子, 并将其作为表面增强拉曼散射(Surface-enhanced Raman scattering, SERS)活性基底, 重点探讨了表面缺陷能级与SERS性能的关系. 观察到4-巯基苯甲酸(4-MBA)吸附在150 ℃水热合成的SnO2纳米粒子上的SERS 信号最强, 随着在空气中煅烧温度的升高, SERS信号逐渐减弱. 分别用透射电子显微镜、 紫外-可见光谱、 荧光光谱、 X射线衍射和X射线光电子能谱对SnO2纳米粒子进行了表征. 结果表明, SnO2纳米粒子的表面氧空位和缺陷等表面性质在增强拉曼散射性能中发挥着重要的作用, 表面氧空位和缺陷等含量越高其SERS信号就越强.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticle Modified 3-Aminophenol Resin Microspheres with Application for Determination of Carcinoembryonic Antigens by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Uniform phenolic resin microspheres were prepared by the polycondensation of 3-aminophenol and formaldehyde. On the surface of the 3-aminophenol resin microspheres, silver nanoparticles were synthesized in situ and immobilized by simple heating. The composite was employed as a substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS enhancement factor was evaluated using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid and Nile blue A as signal molecules. A highly sensitive SERS immunoassay that combined labeled antibody conjugated silver nanoparticle modified 3-aminophenol resin microspheres and coating antibody conjugated magnetic nanoparticles was fabricated to determine carcinoembryonic antigen. A linear relationship was obtained between the Raman intensity and the concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen. The limit of detection was 1.2 picograms per milliliter at a signal-to-noise ratio of three. This is believed to be the first report of a SERS immunoassay using silver nanoparticle modified 3-aminophenol resin microspheres as substrates.     

FT-IR, FT-Raman and FT-SERS spectra of 4-aminosalicylic acid sodium salt dihydrate.

FT-IR, FT-Raman and FT-SERS spectra of 4-aminosalicylic acid sodium salt dihydrate (4ASAS) have been recorded and analysed. The vibrational bands due to NH2, OH, carboxyl group, and the benzene ring are identified. The CX ipb(17a, 17b), CC ipb(6,18a) and CH ipb (3,14a, 14b) bands are more enhanced in SERS. Broadening of the inplane carboxyl bend indicates interaction with the silver surface. Further the vC=O, v(C-O)c and v(C-O)h are intense in the SERS spectrum. The rocking and wagging modes of NH2 also show up in SERS. The molecule (O, N donor ligand) is thought to adsorb through the carboxyl oxygen atom with the benzene ring in a 'perpendicular side on orientation' with respect to the silver surface.     

银电极上4-氨基安替比林原位表面增强拉曼光谱电化学

在银电极表面4-氨基安替比林(4-AAP)分子自组装,形成单分子膜层.应用表面增强拉曼散射(SERS)光谱原位考察不同电位下4-AAP在电极表面的吸附机理及其组装液pH值对组装分子与银作用方式的影响.依据密度泛函数(DFT)理论预测4-AAP分子振动模式及其SERS光谱归属.结果表明:在开路电位下,组装层中的4-AAP分子以N15和O3为位点,由苯环倾斜和比林环垂直的方式吸附在银表面;但随着外加电位负移,4-AAP分子的苯环趋于垂直吸附而比林环则逐渐以平行方式靠近银表面.在-0.8V电位下,4-AAP分子从银表面脱附.酸性溶液中组装,形成的4-AAP膜层以N15和O3为位点吸附于银表面,比林环倾斜而苯环直立;碱性条件下,分子的吸附位点不变,比林环呈平行取向,而苯环倾斜于银表面.     

C70分子吸附于铜表面的增强拉曼光谱研究

报道了C70分子吸附于铜表面的增强拉曼光谱.通过与正常拉曼光谱以及银表面SERS谱的比较发现,C70分子与铜表面之间的吸附属于物理吸附,增强机制主要是电磁增强.C70分子在银表面上的吸附状态与铜表面上的不同,这导致了两者特征峰谱线强度分布存在差异.以C60的振动模式为参考,推断出C70分子在2种金属表面上的吸附状态可能分别处于使碳笼的挤压振动模接近于“平躺”和“竖直”的2种状态.     

The synthesis of translucent polymer nanolatexes via microemulsion polymerization

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active substrates of polyvinyl alcohol/gold-silver (PVA/Au-Ag) nanofibers were prepared using a simple approach involving electrospinning. The tunable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of gold-silver alloy (Au-Ag alloy) nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved by controlling the feed ratio between gold and silver precursors. A higher concentration of Au-Ag alloy NPs could be obtained than the conventional methods, using 1wt% of PVA as the stabilizer. The Au-Ag alloy structure was demonstrated by HRTEM and STEM-EDX. After the electrospinning, the Au-Ag alloy NPs were successfully embedded in PVA nanofibers, as shown in the SEM and TEM images. Raman spectra displayed an apparent enhancement in the signal of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA), pyridine, and thiophenol molecules pre-absorbed from their ethanol solution onto the PVA/Au-Ag nanofibers. Different SERS effects were achieved by varying the Au content or excitation wavelength.     

Cu掺杂TiO_2作为SERS基底的研究

本文采用溶胶-水热法制备了TiO2及Cu掺杂的TiO2纳米粒子作为表面增强拉曼光谱(SERS)活性基底,观察到当4-巯基苯甲酸吸附在3%Cu掺杂的TiO2表面上时,其SERS信号得到了最大程度的增强.Cu离子掺杂进TiO2晶格时会使TiO2表面的缺陷浓度(表面态)得到增加,一定量的缺陷浓度对TiO2-to-Molecule的电荷转移机理起到促进作用,进一步证明了化学增强机理在SERS现象的贡献.     

增感染料1556、798吸附在银电极上的表面增强拉曼光谱

本文利用表面增强拉曼光谱研究了增感染料1556、798在银电极上的吸附,通过比较染料的固体拉曼光谱和染料的表面增强光谱,我们发现两种染料在银电极表面的吸附行为不完全相同,吸附时染料分子的平面基本上与电极表面相垂直。     

对氯硝基苯吸附在银纳米粒子上的偶联反应

表面增强拉曼光谱(SERS)具有极高的检测灵敏度, 通过检测吸附分子的SERS信号, 可以获得表面吸附分子的结构以及可能发生的反应. 在拉曼激发光源的辐射下, 在碱性溶液中, 银纳米粒子表面吸附的对氯硝基苯(PCNB)的SERS光谱与其固体的常规拉曼光谱相比, 出现异常SERS谱. 通过采用密度泛函理论(DFT)计算, 对PCNB以及可能的偶联产物p,p''-二氯偶氮苯(DCAB)进行理论分析以及谱峰归属, 发现这些异常峰来自其偶联产物DCAB的偶氮C－N＝N－C基团的基频振动.     

Characterization of Labeled Gold Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Noble metal nanoparticles (NP) such as gold (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can produce ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals owing to their plasmonic properties. AuNPs have been widely investigated for their biocompatibility and potential to be used in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics or combined for theranostics. In this work, labeled AuNPs in suspension were characterized in terms of size dependency of their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and SERS activity. The study was conducted using a set of four Raman labels or reporters, i.e., small molecules with large scattering cross-section and a thiol moiety for chemisorption on the AuNP, namely 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA), 2-naphthalenethiol (2-NT), 4-acetamidothiophenol (4-AATP), and biphenyl-4-thiol (BPT), to investigate their viability for SERS tagging of spherical AuNPs of different size in the range 5 nm to 100 nm. The results showed that, when using 785 nm laser excitation, the SERS signal increases with the increasing size of AuNP up to 60 or 80 nm. The signal is highest for BPT labelled 80 nm AuNPs followed by 4-AATP labeled 60 nm AuNPs, making BPT and 4-AATP the preferred candidates for Raman labelling of spherical gold within the range of 5 nm to 100 nm in diameter.