Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Sasso, Angela Capaccio, Giulia Rusciano
Summary: This review focuses on the recent studies conducted by our group in the past decade, where novel nanofabrication techniques were successfully applied to SERS and TERS experiments for studying bio-systems and molecular species of environmental interest.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ilya A. Milekhin, Alexander G. Milekhin, Dietrich R. T. Zahn
Summary: This study presents the optical response of spherical CdSe nanocrystals using SERS and TERS techniques, achieving significant enhancement of optical phonons by selecting appropriate plasmonic substrates. Combining Raman scattering with atomic force microscopy offers nanoscale spatial resolution for investigating phonon properties. Gap-mode TERS further enhances Raman scattering of CdSe NCs' optical phonon modes with nanometer spatial resolution, providing new pathways for optical characterization and phonon spectrum details at the nanometer scale of single semiconductor nanostructures.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lin Zhu, Zhen Meng, Saizhen Hu, Tiancong Zhao, Bing Zhao
Summary: The study focuses on the plasmonic coupling between noble-metal and semiconductor nanostructures, and reveals the enhanced charge transfer and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals in a designed W18O49/Ag heterostructure. A new coupled-plasmon-induced charge transfer mechanism is proposed, providing insight for further studies on plasmonic effects and interfacial charge transfer in metal/semiconductor heterostructures.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lin Zhu, Zhen Meng, Saizhen Hu, Tiancong Zhao, Bing Zhao
Summary: In this study, we for the first time observed and considered the plasmonic coupling between noble-metal and semiconductor nanostructures in metal/semiconductor heterostructures, using a W18O49/Ag heterostructure composed of Ag nanoparticles and W18O49 nanowires. The heterogeneous structure exhibited a broad and strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption in the visible wavelength range. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was used to investigate the interactions between metal SPR, semiconductor SPR, and the heterostructure's charge transfer process, revealing that the coupled SPR enhanced the heterostructure's internal charge transfer and SERS signals. A new coupled-plasmon-induced charge transfer mechanism was proposed to explain the improved charge transfer efficiency. This work provides insights for further studies on plasmonic effects and interfacial charge transfer in metal/semiconductor heterostructures.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lei Ouyang, Tobias Meyer-Zedler, Kel-Meng See, Wei-Liang Chen, Fan-Cheng Lin, Denis Akimov, Sadaf Ehtesabi, Martin Richter, Michael Schmitt, Yu-Ming Chang, Stefanie Grafe, Jurgen Popp, Jer-Shing Huang
Summary: This study investigates the enhancement effect of plasmonic gratings in nonlinear surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SECARS) using the platform of plasmonic Doppler grating (PDG). The PDGs spatially separate the input and output enhancement, allowing for observation and comparison of overall enhancement from different combinations of individual input and output beams. The results indicate that enhancement in the pump and anti-Stokes beams plays a more critical role in the overall enhancement than that in the Stokes beam.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shuang Lin, Haoyu Guan, Yuqi Liu, Shinian Huang, Junming Li, Wuliji Hasi, Yizhuo Xu, Jixin Zou, Bin Dong
Summary: Tuning and controlling the plasmon coupling of noble metal nanoparticles are crucial for enhancing their responses in near-field and far-field. A novel heterogeneous plasmonic assembly with a controllable hot spot model was proposed in this work, showing significant enhancement for SERS behavior in point-to-facet hotspots. The binary assemblies of Au NS doping in Au@Ag NCs demonstrate excellent sensitivity and high reproducibility in the identification of ketamine, indicating a new avenue for fabricating plasmonic metal materials with collective LSPR properties and sensitive SERS behavior.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Tongtong Tian, Jia Yi, Yujie Liu, Binxiao Li, Yixin Liu, Liang Qiao, Kun Zhang, Baohong Liu
Summary: This study presents the development of highly efficient nanoparticle arrays for simultaneous capture, identification, and differentiation of bacteria using SERS technology, allowing for single-cell analysis of multiple bacterial species. The technology demonstrates high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and stability, with great potential in bacterial detection and phenotyping studies.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mariacristina Turino, Ramon A. Alvarez-Puebla, Luca Guerrini
Summary: This study presents a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy platform for the dynamic sensing of biothiols. By using colloidally stable silver nanoparticles clusters equipped with a specifically designed azobenzene derivative, significant spectral changes can be observed in the presence of small biothiols, which can be quantitatively correlated with the biothiol content.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nguyen Hoang Ly, Sang Jun Son, Soonmin Jang, Cheolmin Lee, Jung Il Lee, Sang-Woo Joo
Summary: Facile detection of indoor semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is a critical issue for researchers, with plasmonic nanomaterial platforms offering significant Raman signal enhancements for the ultra-sensitive detection of SVOC molecules. Novel aptasensors-assisted SERS technology is introduced for selective sensing, demonstrating the potential for indoor SVOC detection.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Adrianna N. Masterson, Sumon Hati, Greta Ren, Thakshila Liyanage, Nicholas E. Manicke, John Goodpaster, Rajesh Sardar
Summary: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an ultrasensitive analytical technique used for toxicological drug assay. By functionalizing chemically synthesized gold triangular nanoprisms and generating flexible plasmonic patches, sensitivity of SERS detection can be significantly enhanced.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xiaoming Su, Xinyu Liu, Yangcenzi Xie, Mingyang Chen, Hong Zhong, Ming Li
Summary: The widespread abuse of fentanyl has become a major global public health concern, leading to a drastic increase in overdose deaths. A recently developed freestanding surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor, called the FrEnSERS biosensor, has shown excellent capability in identifying and quantifying trace amounts of fentanyl in biofluids. This biosensor, composed of a reduced graphene oxide membrane decorated with hydrophobic Au nanostars, combines high SERS enhancement and analyte enrichment to achieve remarkable SERS performance. It has demonstrated sensitive and quantitative detection of fentanyl in serum and urine, with a wide dynamic range and low limits of detection. The FrEnSERS biosensor is a promising tool for forensic analysis and clinical diagnosis, providing a sensitive, cost-effective, and reliable method for rapid quantitative analysis of fentanyl in biofluids.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kosti Tapio, Amr Mostafa, Yuya Kanehira, Antonio Suma, Anushree Dutta, Ilko Bald
Summary: DNA origami technology enables precise assembly of chemical entities at the nanoscale, creating sophisticated functional materials. By assembling Au or Ag nanoparticle dimers, a versatile DNA origami nanofork antenna (DONA) has been developed, achieving signal enhancements in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) up to 10(11). Using the DNA origami structure, single-molecule SERS measurements of three dyes, cytochrome c, and horseradish peroxidase proteins have been successfully demonstrated.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuhao Xu, Huatian Hu, Wen Chen, Pengfei Suo, Yuan Zhang, Shunping Zhang, Hongxing Xu
Summary: This study demonstrates the selective control of nonlinear surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement in a phononic cavity optomechanical system by tuning the laser-plasmon detuning. The phononic nanodevice shows distinctive properties compared to the molecular system.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jihua Xu, Enze Lv, Xiaofei Zhao, Jing Yu, Shicai Xu, Jinmeng Li, Zhen Li, Mei Xue, Chao Zhang, Jie Pan
Summary: This study proposes a Au/Ag/CuO NW/PVDF substrate that enables highly sensitive SERS detection and efficient piezoelectric photocatalysis for the degradation of organic pollutant molecules. The enhanced SERS and catalytic performance are achieved through the coupling of piezoelectric and plasmonic effects.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Di Liu, Huimin Gao, Wenji Jiang, Su Yan, Hao Liu, Junjie Chen, Sisi Wen, Wei Zhang, Xu Wang, Bing Zhao, Wei Song
Summary: In this study, three-dimensional Ag aerogel-supported Hg single-atom catalysts were used as an efficient SERS substrate for monitoring enhanced oxidase-like reactions. The effect of Hg2+ concentrations on the SERS properties of 3D Hg/Ag aerogel networks was investigated, and an optimized addition of Hg2+ resulted in specific enhancement. The formation of Ag-supported Hg SACs was confirmed using HAADF-STEM imaging and XPS measurement, and the oxidase-like catalytic mechanism of Hg/Ag SACs was revealed using DFT. This research provides a mild synthetic strategy for fabricating Ag aerogel-supported Hg single atoms with promising prospects in various catalytic fields.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Luiza A. Wasiewska, Ian Seymour, Bernardo Patella, Rosalinda Inguanta, Catherine M. Burgess, Geraldine Duffy, Alan O'Riordan
Summary: In this study, an electrochemical sensor was developed for silver ion detection in tap water using anodic sweep voltammetry with in-situ pH control. The sensor, enabled by closely spaced interdigitated electrode arrays, allowed for rapid and accurate detection of silver ions in tap water through a combination of complexation with chloride ions and in-situ pH control.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
B. Patella, R. R. Russo, A. O'Riordan, G. Aiello, C. Sunseri, R. Inguanta
Summary: The study introduced a nanostructured sensor based on copper nanowires, with rapid response time and easy in-field usability, for monitoring nitrate ions in water.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ian Seymour, Benjamin O'Sullivan, Pierre Lovera, James F. Rohan, Alan O'Riordan
Summary: The study utilized in-situ pH control to eliminate oxygen interference for monochloramine sensors by converting it to dichloramine, resulting in improved accuracy and efficiency of analysis.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ian Seymour, Tarun Narayan, Niamh Creedon, Kathleen Kennedy, Aidan Murphy, Riona Sayers, Emer Kennedy, Ivan O'Connell, James F. Rohan, Alan O'Riordan
Summary: The development of micro- and nano-scale electrode devices and electrochemical sensing platforms can improve production efficiency and resource utilization in the agri-food sector. These technologies can be applied to monitor water quality, animal health, and chemical substances in agricultural products, reducing resource wastage and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural production.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhongzheng Wang, Aidan Murphy, Alan O'Riordan, Ivan O'Connell
Summary: This paper reviews the working mechanism of electrochemical sensors, proposes a general model suitable for nanosensors, and discusses the explanation of scan rate in cyclic voltammetry.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Niharika Gupta, Shine Augustine, Tarun Narayan, Alan O'Riordan, Asmita Das, D. Kumar, John H. T. Luong, Bansi D. Malhotra
Summary: Molecular diagnostics, including RT-PCR and qRT-PCR, have been vital in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to these gold standards, faster antigen tests and other point-of-care devices have also played a crucial role in containing the spread of the virus. The development of miniaturized, high-throughput PCR systems, digital PCR, electrochemical PCR, and CRISPR/Cas technology for POC diagnostics are areas of increasing interest and research focus. Commercial RT-PCR POC systems approved for COVID-19 detection by various agencies have also been discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Julia Madden, Colm Barrett, Fathima R. Laffir, Michael Thompson, Paul Galvin, Alan O' Riordan
Summary: This study focused on the microfabrication and characterization of gold microband electrodes on silicon using standard methods. A two-step electrodeposition process was applied to successfully incorporate glucose oxidase onto the electrodes, resulting in linear glucose detection. Utilizing various microscopy techniques, the biosensor exhibited promising performance in buffer-based solutions.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Francesca Mazzara, Bernardo Patella, Chiara D'Agostino, Maria Giuseppina Bruno, Sonia Carbone, Francesco Lopresti, Giuseppe Aiello, Claudia Torino, Antonio Vilasi, Alan O'Riordan, Rosalinda Inguanta
Summary: This study focuses on developing electrochemical sensors for detecting sweat pH by modifying electronic substrate and depositing polyaniline thin films. The sensors showed good performance in the pH range of 2 to 8, with a sensitivity of 62.3 mV/pH and reproducibility of 3.8%.Tests with interference ions demonstrated the sensors' selectivity, and real sweat sample analysis proved excellent agreement with a commercial pH meter.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuqing Yang, Alan O'Riordan, Pierre Lovera
Summary: This study demonstrates a rapid method for direct monitoring of the harmful pesticide 2,4-D in water without sample pre-treatment. Large-area, high-density, and homogeneous SERS substrates were synthesized using an electrochemical method. The Ag-GA SERS sensor showed a linear response towards 2,4-D detection and accurately detected the pesticide in different water samples.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Francesco Lopresti, Bernardo Patella, Vito Divita, Claudio Zanca, Luigi Botta, Norbert Radacsi, Alan O'Riordan, Giuseppe Aiello, Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas, Rosalinda Inguanta, Vincenzo La Carrubba
Summary: A green wearable sensor for sweat absorption and chloride sensing is presented in this study. The sensor, made from polylactic acid and upcycled compact discs, showed sensitive and reproducible detection of chloride ions in sweat samples. The results demonstrate the feasibility of applying this integrated sweat sensor directly on human skin.
Article
Electrochemistry
Bernardo Patella, Tarun Narayan, Benjamin O'Sullivan, Robert Daly, Claudio Zanca, Pierre Lovera, Rosalinda Inguanta, Alan O'Riordan
Summary: This article describes the use of an in situ pH control technique in electrochemical sensors for detecting mercury and copper in neutral solutions. The sensors consist of two parallel gold interdigitated microband electrodes that can be independently polarized. By biasing one electrode, water electrolysis is initiated, resulting in the production of H+ ions that decrease the pH at the other sensing electrode. This pH decrease allows for electrodeposition and stripping of metals without acidifying the entire test solution. The sensors have a linear range of 5-100 ppb for copper and 1-75 ppb for mercury, with high sensitivity and good reproducibility.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuqing Yang, Luiza Adela Wasiewska, Catherine M. Burgess, Geraldine Duffy, Pierre Lovera, Alan O'Riordan
Summary: In this research, a selective, cost-efficient, and highly sensitive Ag nanostructure Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) sensor was developed for rapid detection of target ss-DNA in STEC. The sensor showed good selectivity, linearity, and sensitivity towards the target DNA, and has potential for point-of-use detection without the need for DNA amplification.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Amlan Nag, Tarun Narayan, Alan O'Riordan, Pierre Lovera, Srinjoy Mitra
Summary: This paper presents a time domain analog front-end system for real time water quality monitoring, capable of detecting dissolved oxygen concentration and temperature simultaneously and transmitting over a single ISM frequency band. The system demonstrates high linearity and low noise levels.
2022 20TH IEEE INTERREGIONAL NEWCAS CONFERENCE (NEWCAS)
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Aidan Murphy, Ian Seymour, James Rohan, Alan O'Riordan, Ivan O'Connell
Summary: This work presents a flexible and portable data acquisition system for nano and ultra-micro scale electrochemical sensors, which can perform various voltammetric tests. It interfaces to a smartphone, runs on a rechargeable battery, and is designed to be fully portable. By using commercial components, this system aims to lower the barrier to entry for emerging portable electrochemical sensing technologies at micro and nano scale.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
