Kao P., Malvadkar N.A., Wang H., Allara D.L., Demirel M.C.
Penn State University, US
Keywords: bacteria, metal, poly(p-xylylene), sers
Surface enhanced Raman (SERS) has an advantage of minimal sample preparation, low reagent costs and ease of operation in addition to more rapid and reliable biosensing technique when compared to other methods. Several methods have been implemented for microorganism detection using SERS such as gold nanoparticle coated SiO2, electrochemically roughened metal surfaces, and colloidal metal particles. However, SERS substrates, that have been prepared mainly from these techniques, are very sensitive to the pH, concentration, temperature and the rate of mixing . The lack of reproducibility of these techniques and uniform signal detection make it difficult to get consistent SERS results. An alternative is to use silver or gold coated nanostructured polymers that will have a uniform and homogenous SERS signal for biological detection. The new biosensor substrates provide a significant advantage over traditional SERS surfaces because this technique does not require templating or lithography; thus making it simple and quick method to prepare uniform nanostructrued gold and silver films. Additionally, the uniform SERS signal from the nanostructure surface makes it possible to detect infectious agents. Our technique provides a robust and reagentless detection of E.Coli.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2008: Life Sciences, Medicine & Bio Materials – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 555 - 557
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Chemical, Physical & Bio-Sensors
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8504-4