Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique capable of probing single molecules with unprecedented detail for biophysical studies.  Unfortunately, most currently used SERS substrates contain &lt;10 nm gaps between gold or silver particles, in which biological probe molecules are inserted.  Although this strategy often leads to single molecule detection of the biological probe molecule, it also results in denaturation and inactivation of these molecules, which severely limits the use of SERS for biophysical measurements.  In addition, because most SERS substrates involve the molecule being probed to reside in close proximity to the metal surface, fluorescence is often quenched.  In the Sagle group, we are working with a novel liposome-based SERS substrate, in which probe molecules are encapsulated in the liposome component, rather than tethered to or sandwiched between metallic surfaces.  Initial characterization of a liposome-based gold nanoparticle on mirror substrate shows high field enhancement of 10<sup>7</sup>-10<sup>8</sup>, stability to laser illumination, and good measurement reproducibility.  This presentation will focus on recent rigorous single molecule SERS measurements with crystal violet dye and its deuterated counterpart with these substrates.  In addition, we have encapsulated fluorescent dyes inside the liposome and show that the substrates are able to measure both single molecule SERS and single molecule fluorescence.

Combining single molecule surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy with single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.