We demonstrate that
the reproducibility of sensors for nitroaromatics
based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be significantly
improved via a hierarchical aqueous self-assembly approach mediated
by the multifunctional macrocyclic molecule cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]).
Our approach is enabled by the novel host–guest complexation
between CB[7] and an explosive marker 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). Binding
studies are performed using experimental and computation techniques
to quantify key binding parameters for the first time. This supramolecular
complexation allows DNT to be positioned in close proximity to the
plasmonic hotspots within aggregates of CB[7] and gold nanoparticles,
resulting in significant SERS signals with a detection limit of ∼1
μM. The supramolecular ensemble is selective against a structurally
similar nitroaromatics owing to the molecular-recognition nature of
the complexation as well as tolerant against the presence of model
organic contaminants that bind strongly to the SERS substrates.
A novel nanosensing platform was developed for the quantitative detection of creatinine of clinically relevant concentrations via UV-Vis spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
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