Observation of molecular diffusion in polyelectrolyte-wrapped SERS nanoprobes.

ABSTRACT: The popularity of nanotechnology-based sensing technologies has rapidly expanded within the past decade. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is one such technique capable of chemically specific and highly sensitive measurements. The careful preparation of SERS-active nanoprobes is immensely vital for biological applications where nanoprobes are exposed to harsh ionic and protein rich microenvironments. Encapsulation of optical reporter molecules via layer-by-layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte wrapping is an emerging technique that also permits facile modification of surface chemistry and charge. LbL wrapping can be performed within a few hours and does not require the use of organic solvents or hazardous silanes. Nonetheless, the stability of its products requires further characterization

SUBMITTER: DeVetter BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4334275 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature