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Techniques

SERS

An advanced method Raman spectroscopy and a powerful tool for chemical, medical, and environmental applications, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) significantly enhances the Raman scattering signal of molecules adsorbed on rough metal surfaces or nanoparticles. Typically gold or silver surfaces or particles are used to provide extremely high sensitivity to drive very low detection limits.

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Assembling a SERS System

Raman SERS system consists of:

A laser to excite Raman emission
A fiber optic Raman Probe to collect the Raman emission from the sample
An optional Raman Video Micro-sampling system for measuring trace samples
A spectrometer to collect the Raman spectrum.

Using a microscope sample holder helps detect trace amounts of the sample by focusing the measurement on a very small spot size. B&W Tek microscopes provide an image of the sampling area and the corresponding SERS measurement. These simple measurements are an excellent alternative to expensive confocal Raman microscopes that scan and provide a detailed sample image.

Applications with SERS

SERS materials from Metrohm are consistent - providing extremely reproducible detection to enable quantitative measurements. The MISA can be used as a dedicated SERS reader for high sample throughput or configure a Discover-It-Yourself system for SERS.

WHITEPAPER: SERS – Expanding the Limits of Conventional Raman Analysis

This whitepaper describes the SERS theory, technique, and application, concisely presenting this powerful technique. Applications in forensic sciences and food safety are discussed in detail.

Read the whitepaper

Portable Raman Instruments for SERS

The development of SERS technology is driven by a need to overcome the technical barrier of the lower detection limit with Raman spectroscopy and the need for trace-level detection of explosive compounds, chemical residuals, and biomedical diagnostics.

See the basics of SERS measurements

SERS Detection of Metanil Yellow in Turmeric

Metanil yellow (MY) is an azo dye used to manufacture external-use products such as textiles; however, it is prohibited from being a food additive in many countries. Given the rising popularity of turmeric as a dietary supplement promising significant health benefits, routine safety tests must be readily available to ensure the integrity of turmeric-containing products. Ideal tests feature selective and sensitive methods that are portable and convenient.

The Use of Raman Spectroscopy in the Field of Cancer Detection

Raman and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are invaluable biomedical research and clinical diagnostics tools. This review highlights two applications relating to breast cancer and pancreatic cancer diagnosis, together with examples of using Raman spectrometry in biomedical research.