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 the Sagle group, we are working with novel liposome-based SERS substrates, 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. We have recently extended this idea to include silver particles and nanoshells around the liposome component, both of which exhibit increased SERS enhancement over the gold nanoparticle on mirror substrate and improved biocompatibility over traditional SERS substrates.

Biocompatible, liposome-based surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates

254th National Meeting (2017)

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