title: Nanoparticle-functionalized porous polymer monolith detection elements for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
abstract: The use of porous polymer monoliths functionalized with silver nanoparticles is introduced in this work for high-sensitivity surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. Preparation of the SERS detection elements is a simple process comprising the synthesis of a discrete polymer monolith section within a silica capillary, followed by physically trapping silver nanoparticle aggregates within the monolith matrix. A SERS detection limit of 220 fmol for Rhodamine 6G is demonstrated, with excellent signal stability over a 24 h period. The capability of the SERS-active monolith for label-free detection of biomolecules was demonstrated by measurements of bradykinin and cytochrome c. The SERS-active monoliths can be readily integrated into miniaturized micrototal-analysis systems for online and label-free detection for a variety of biosensing, bioanalytical, and biomedical applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States.
authors.forename: Jikun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Don L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: DeVoe
mesh_terms: D001920:Bradykinin / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D045304:Cytochromes c / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D058105:Polymerization / Q000528:radiation effects; D011108:Polymers / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D012834:Silver; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D045304:Cytochromes c; D001920:Bradykinin