Publication details
Surface modification of nanoparticles for sustaining sensitivity of surface-enhanced raman spectrometric measurements in salinated environment
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2020 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | 11th International Conference on Nanomaterials - Research & Application (NANOCON 2019) |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://doi.org/10.37904/nanocon.2019.8480 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.37904/nanocon.2019.8480 |
| Keywords | Bi-ligand; nanoparticle; saline solution; stability; surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry |
| Description | Surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry (SERS) represents a powerful method for analysis of a broad spectrum of analytes ranging from inorganic ions to biomolecules of high complexity. It combines the potential of Raman spectrometry for a definite identification of an analyte with remarkable sensitivity achieved by the surface enhancement effect occurring on metal nanoparticles. While low ionic strength influences positively the sensitivity of the SERS measurement, a higher level of inorganic salts leads to fast ruining of colloidal character, which completely devastates the effect of the surface enhancement. The common stabilization of nanoparticles by a layer of polymers has a negative impact on the SERS sensitivity since it shields the nanoparticle surface from the analytes. In this work, we aim at the development of the bi-ligand system of nanoparticles surface modification for improved stability of colloid in saline solution at sustaining the potential for sensitive SERS analyses. The proposed system relies on the binding of 3-mercaptopropionic acid and thiolated polyethylene glycol in a suitable ratio onto the nanoparticle surfaces. While the short chains of the acid sustain the accessibility of the surface for analytes, the polymeric structures act as a steric barrier preventing colloid aggregation. |