SuMo SERS: A Novel, High-Reliability CBW Agent Detection System Using Surface-Modified Gold Nanoparticles as a SERS Substrate

Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique for detecting and identifying target analytes, such as CBW agents, even at very small concentrations. However, traditional SERS techniques often suffer from poor reliability andreproducibility. Nanoparticle-based SERS has a tremendous advantage over bulk-surface SERS due to a very high amount of surface area for interaction in a small volume. However, nanoparticles must be carefully stabilized to remain in solution, oftenlimiting their ability to interact with analyte, which is required for SERS.Nomadics proposes to develop an improved SERS technology. Through numerical modeling and optical experimentation, we will determine the optimum shape and size of nanoparticles to maximize the SERS response. We will chemically modify the surface ofnanoparticles to: 1) maintain the nanoparticles suspended in solution, and 2) preferentially bind the target analyte to the nanoparticles, optimizing the SERS response. With this improved SERS platform, we will develop a robust, reliable SERS-based sensortechnology suitable for detecting even trace amounts of CBW agents. Nomadics will develop an improved SERS-based sensor technology suitable for CBW agent detection. This will be useful to both the military and various civilian law enforcement andemergency-response agencies. However, SERS is a very powerful analytical sensing tool, suitable for a broad range of analytes. Trace detection of nearly any chemical or molecular species should be possible with this technology, with a large range ofpotential sensor applications: pesticides, water purity, pharmaceuticals/drug-discovery, etc.