Single-molecule Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has traditionally relied on inserting probe molecules into highly enhancing “hot spots” (&lt;10nm gap junctions) between gold and/or silver particles. Although this strategy leads to single molecule detection, the interactions between the probe molecule and enhancing medium often results in denaturation and inactivation of the probe molecule. To address this issue, we have constructed novel SERS substrates containing liposomes, which offer an ideal scaffold since encapsulated probe molecules retain biological and chemical activity. We present single nanoparticle SERS studies of a new construct in which probe molecules are encapsulated into surface-tethered liposomes that are conjugated to gold nanostars. The gold surface and gold nanostars offer enhancement capable of single molecule detection, while the core of the liposome provides an adjustable aqueous environment.

Novel liposome-based Surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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