Detection of Molecular and Biomolecular Species by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

IFSO in collaboration with Clemson University, SC proposes to develop an innovative optical sensor based on new types of SERS substrates, providing an extraordinarily high sensitivity and reproducibility in detection of traces of biological molecules. AtPhase I two types of Raman enhancing substrates will be fabricated, characterized and optimized. First Raman enhancing substrate will employ original technology of formation of a new type of surfaces comprising array of micro-cavities with inner partscovered by nanoparticles of the Au and/or Ag. The enhancement of Raman signal is due to both high specific areas of micro-cavities and to nano-sized protrusions on the inner surface of each cavity. The second type of Raman enhancing substrate is based onpolyvinilpyridine (PVP) films with array of silver nanoparticles imbedded into it. The proposed two technologies are expected to produce Raman signal enhancing plates allowing reliable detection of extremely small concentrations of analyte moleculesapproaching single molecule level. The suggested fabrication process can be quickly commercialized. At Phase II the prototype of miniature optical sensor employing developed on Phase I SERS substrates and miniature Raman spectrometer will be assembled andtested for detection a wide range of analyte molecules and biomolecules including DNA. In addition to immediate military application the proposed Raman plate is an excellent product for several important commercial markets including chemical and food industry, environmental monitoring, anti-terrorist protection, biotechnology and medicalapplications.