title: Quantitative characterization of individual microdroplets using surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering spectroscopy.
abstract: Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) spectroscopy is a highly sensitive optical technique capable of detecting multiple analytes rapidly and simultaneously. There is significant interest in SERRS detection in micro- and nanotechnologies, as it can be used to detect extremely low analyte concentrations in small volumes of fluids, particularly in microfluidic systems. There is also rapidly growing interest in the field of microdroplets, which promises to offer the analyst many potential advantages over existing technologies for both design and control of microfluidic assays. While there have been rapid advances in both fields in recent years, the literature on SERRS-based detection of individual microdroplets remains lacking. In this paper, we demonstrate the ability to quantitatively detect multiple variable analyte concentrations from within individual microdroplets in real time using SERRS spectroscopy. We also demonstrate the use of a programmable pump control algorithm to generate concentration gradients across a chain of droplets.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Medical Diagnostics group, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8LT, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Syme
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martino
authors.forename: Rama
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yusvana
authors.forename: Narayana M S
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Sirimuthu
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D013501:Surface-Active Agents