Additional amplifications of SERS via an optofluidic CD-based platform

Lab Chip. 2009 Jan 21;9(2):239-43. doi: 10.1039/b812067f. Epub 2008 Oct 23.

Abstract

In this paper, signal amplifications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) are realized by an optofluidic compact disc (CD)-based preconcentration method for effective label-free environmental and biomolecular detections. The preconcentration of target molecules is accomplished through the accumulation of adsorbed molecules on SERS-active sites by repeating a 'filling-drying' cycle of the assay solution in the optofluidic CD platform. After 30 cycles, the clear and high SERS signal of rhodamine 6G of 1 nM is readily detected. In addition to the preconcentration-based signal amplification by the optofluidic SERS system on the CD platform, we introduce a controlled precipitation of gold nanoparticles by CuSO4 for SERS substrates. This method provides high-throughput, high-sensitive and large-area uniform SERS substrates on the optofluidic CD platform. The uniform SERS signals from different positions in spots of 3 mm2 on the different CDs gives us confidence in the reliability and stability of our SERS substrates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Compact Disks*
  • Copper Sulfate / chemistry
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Gold
  • Copper Sulfate