biostudies-literatureYang JFok Ying Tong Education FoundationMOE & SAFEA for the 111 ProjectNational Natural Science Foundation of China3127https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9501013biostudies-literatureUnknown12(18)This paper reports a novel method to fabricate a bio-inspired SERS substrate with low reflectivity, ultra-sensitivity, excellent uniformity, and recyclability. First, double layers of polystyrene spheres with different particle sizes were assembled on the surface of a silicon wafer to act as a moth-like template. Second, through the template sacrifice method, the TiO₂ film with a three-dimensional moth-like eye structure was induced by the double-layer polystyrene spheres in the previous step, and its microscopic morphology showed a high degree of order. Finally, Ag nanoparticles were assembled on the TiO₂ film to form a bio-inspired SERS substrate. This ordered bio-inspired structure can not only reduce reflection, but also reinforce the uniformity of hotspot density, which helps to improve the sensitivity and uniformity of the Raman signal. This bio-inspired SERS substrate can detect R6G molecules at a concentration as low as 1.0 × 10^-10 mol/L, and its enhancement factor (EF) can reach 6.56 × 10⁶. In addition, the composite of Ag and TiO₂ can realize the photocatalytic degradation of R6G and then realize the recyclability of the SERS substrate.Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)A Novel Bio-Inspired Ag/3D-TiO₂/Si SERS Substrate with Ordered Moth-like Structure.PMC9501013171039B1302521671081Yang JLi YPetrescu FITSong DShi GfalseA Novel Bio-Inspired Ag/3D-TiO₂/Si SERS Substrate with Ordered Moth-like Structure.This paper reports a novel method to fabricate a bio-inspired SERS substrate with low reflectivity, ultra-sensitivity, excellent uniformity, and recyclability. First, double layers of polystyrene spheres with different particle sizes were assembled on the surface of a silicon wafer to act as a moth-like template. Second, through the template sacrifice method, the TiO₂ film with a three-dimensional moth-like eye structure was induced by the double-layer polystyrene spheres in the previous step, and its microscopic morphology showed a high degree of order. Finally, Ag nanoparticles were assembled on the TiO₂ film to form a bio-inspired SERS substrate. This ordered bio-inspired structure can not only reduce reflection, but also reinforce the uniformity of hotspot density, which helps to improve the sensitivity and uniformity of the Raman signal. This bio-inspired SERS substrate can detect R6G molecules at a concentration as low as 1.0 × 10^-10 mol/L, and its enhancement factor (EF) can reach 6.56 × 10⁶. In addition, the composite of Ag and TiO₂ can realize the photocatalytic degradation of R6G and then realize the recyclability of the SERS substrate.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Sep2025-04-19T07:29:27.373Z2025-04-19T07:29:27.373ZS-EPMC95010133614491410.3390/nano12183127