Development of a long-range surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy ruler

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 May 23;134(20):8662-9. doi: 10.1021/ja301921k. Epub 2012 May 14.

Abstract

Optical-ruler-based distance measurements are essential for tracking biomolecular processes in a wide range of analytical biochemical applications. The normally used Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) ruler is not useful for investigating distance-dependent properties when distances are more than 10 nm. Driven by this limitation, we have developed a long-range surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) optical ruler using oval-shaped gold nanoparticles and Rh6G dye-modified rigid, variable-length double-strand DNAs. The bifunctional rigid dsDNA molecule serves as the SERS-active ruler. Our experimental results show that one can tune the length of the SERS ruler between 8 and ∼18 nm by choosing the size of the oval-shaped gold nanoparticles. A possible mechanism for our observed distance-dependent SERS phenomenon is discussed using the Gersten and Nitzan model. Ultimately, our long-range SERS molecular rulers can be an important step toward understanding distance-dependent biological processes.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Rhodium / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Gold
  • DNA
  • Rhodium