Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a sensitive vibrational spectroscopy technique that can enable fast and non-destructive detection of trace molecules. SERS substrates are critical for the advancement of the SERS application. By incorpora
ting SERS substrates into microfluidic devices, the function of microfluidic devices can be extended, and an efficient on-site trace analysis platform with powerful sensing capabilities can be realized. In this paper, we report the fabrication of a rapid and sensitive optofluidic SERS device using a unique Au nanorod array (AuNRA) with a plasmon resonance frequency in the near IR region. The highly stable and reproducible AuNRA were fabricated by a facile dynamic oblique angle deposition technique. A typical spectrum of 4,4-bipyridine (BPY) with enhanced peaks was observed within a few seconds after the injection of an aqueous solution BPY. Time-course measurements revealed an outstandingly quick response of SERS in this system. Using the AuNR microfluidic device, approximately 2x10-12 mole molecules were enough to produce detectable SERS signals. This work demonstrates rapid and sensitive chemical sensing using an optofluidic device equipped with a unique noble metal nanorod array.
Ag nanorod arrays/dielectrics/mirror-structured multilayer thin-film are well known, highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates that enhance the Raman scattering cross-section by the interference of light. However, extractin
g biomarkers directly from human skin using these solid substrates is difficult. To overcome this problem, we propose a multilayer thin-film flake dispersion gel by centrifugal mixing of the multilayer thin-film and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) gel. The multilayer thin-film was prepared by serial bideposition using the dynamic oblique angle deposition technique. The mixing process was optimized to obtain flakes of ~10 {mu}m so that the optical properties of the multilayer film can be preserved, and there is no risk of adverse effects on humans. The SERS features of the flakes dispersion gel were tested using 4, 4-bipyridine (BPY). The BPY molecules diffused through the highly porous gel within a few seconds, generating significant SERS signals. The multilayer film flakes dispersion gel showed a SERS signal about 20 times better than the gel-dispersed Ag nanorod arrays without a multilayer film structure. These SERS active flakes dispersion gel can be used directly on the skin surface to collect body fluids from sweat, for biomarker sensing.
We report the fabrication of a low cost, and highly reproducible large scale surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate using an inkjet-printed Ag nanoparticle ink (AgNI). The AgNI SERS substrates were evaluated for SERS using BPY as a molecular p
robe. The printed AgNI dot arrays exhibit an excellent SERS performance and reproducibility. The batch to batch and spot to spot standard deviation value of less than 10 percent was obtained. The results reveal the reproducibility of the AgNI SERS dot arrays and its potential application for SERS substrates.
Self-cleaning surfaces often make use of superhydrophobic coatings that repel water. Here, we report a hydrophobic Si nanospring surface, that effectively suppresses wetting by repelling water droplets. We investigated the dynamic response of Si nano
spring arrays fabricated by glancing angle deposition. The vertical standing nanospring arrays were approximately 250 nm tall and 60 nm apart, which allowed the droplets to rebound within a few milliseconds after contact. Amazingly, the morphology of the nanostructures influences the impact dynamics. The rebound time and coefficient of restitution were also found to be higher for Si nanosprings than vertical SI columns. It has been proposed that the restoring force of the Si nanosprings may be responsible for the water droplet rebound and can be explained by considering the droplet/nanospring surface as a coupled spring system. These nanospring surfaces may find applications in self-cleaning windows, liquid-repellent exteriors, glass panels of solar cells, and antifouling agents for roof tiling.
Recently, studies have been carried out on attempts to combine surface-enhanced Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates that can be based on either localized surface plasmon (LSP) or surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) structures. By combi
ning these two systems, the drawbacks of each other can be solved. However, the manufacturing methods involved so far are sophisticated, labor-intensive, expensive, and also technically demanding. We propose a facile method for the fabrication of a flexible plasmonic nanoslit SERS sensor. We utilized the pattern on periodic optical disks (DVD-R) as a cheap substitute for printing the periodic pattern on PDMS with soft imprint lithography. Ag nanoslit (AgNS) was fabricated by serial bideposition using a dynamic oblique angle deposition (DOD) technique. The nanoslit structures were physically and optically characterized, and the experimental results were compared to the numerical simulation studies; Monte Carlo and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation. The Ag nanoslit structure showed an excellent SERS enhancement, and its biosensing capability was demonstrated by the sensing of bilirubin.
