Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has proven to be a powerful technique for both biosensing and single molecule spectroscopy measurements.  However, the incompatibility of most SERS substrates with biological species has limited its use in bioanalytical and biophysical measurements.  This talk will highlight two recent projects in the Sagle group to increase the biocompatibility of SERS substrates.  The first project involves fabricating surface-bound fractal-type metallic arrays on flexible plastic substrates for use as a wearable SERS sensor platform.  The ideal use of such a platform would be for non-invasive testing of biological fluids, such as sweat or tears, for given small molecule biomarkers.  The second project involves the development of liposome-based SERS substrates for use in biophysical measurements.  These liposome-based nanoparticle on mirror substrates in which the biological probe molecule is encapsulated within the liposome component, rather than tethered to or squeezed in between the metallic surfaces, exhibit high SERS enhancements greater than 10<sup>6</sup>.  Such substrates also look promising in terms of good substrate fidelity, modest changes in temperature, and increased biocompatibility.<br/>

Towards biocompatible surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)

254th National Meeting (2017)

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