Noble metal nanostructures are known to give rise to large enhancements in the Raman scattering observed from molecules in close proximity. Tip enhanced Raman (TERS) microscopy utilizes a nanostructure scan-probe tip to spatially detect the distinct Raman scattering from molecules at the nanoscale. Challenges in the use of TERS for biological investigations include knowing what region to probe and generating sufficient signal. Targeted TERS is methodology we have developed that seeks to address both of these challenges. We have coupled TERS with nanoparticle probes to obtain chemical, structural, and spatial information simultaneously from phenomena such as protein-ligand interactions. Comparison with SERS signals provide increased information and assignment of the chemical residues observed. Identifying individual nanoparticle probes using dark-field microscopy marks regions to investigate with high spatial resolution TERS microscopy. Raman enhancements are observed from the combination of the nanoparticle with TERS tip generating a local dimer-structure. We have demonstrated the ability to detect functionalized nanoparticles bound to proteins on surfaces and to cellular membranes. In this presentation we will discuss our methodology and its application to specific biomolecular systems.

Targeting receptors on the surface of cells with Raman

246th National Meeting (2013)

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