Here, we report on a proof-of-concept study highlighting a new approach for quantitative surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements. This has been achieved by implementing the standard addition method (SAM) within a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) system. The approach has been successfully tested to quantify congo red as a model analyte even in the presence of the chemically related molecule methyl red. Thus, the developed concept demonstrates its potential to quantify analytes via SERS in the presence of other SERS active molecules. Graphical Abstract Congo red was quantified by means of the standard addition method implemented in the lab-on-a-chip device. Due to the developed approach, a direct detection out of the sample and in the presence of an interfering substance was possible.
Keywords: Congo red; Lab-on-a-chip; SERS; Standard addition method.