Ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering flow detector using hydrodynamic focusing.

ABSTRACT: Label-free, chemical specific detection in flow is important for high throughput characterization of analytes in applications such as flow injection analysis, electrophoresis, and chromatography. We have developed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) flow detector capable of ultrasensitive optical detection on the millisecond time scale. The device employs hydrodynamic focusing to improve SERS detection in a flow channel where a sheath flow confines analyte molecules eluted from a fused silica capillary over a planar SERS-active substrate. Increased analyte interactions with the SERS substrate significantly improve detection sensitivity. The performance of this flow detector was investigated using a combination of finite element simulations, fluorescence imaging, and Raman experiment

SUBMITTER: Negri P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3842097 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature