A Simple Method to Fabricate the Highly Sensitive SERS Substrate by Femtosecond Laser-Based 3D Printer

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a potent technique for analyzing and detecting various targets, including toxic ions, pesticides, and biomarkers, at the single-molecule level. The efficiency of SERS techniques relies heavily on the underlying SERS substrate, which is primarily responsible for the strong induction of localized plasmon resonance on nanostructures. Noble metals such as gold and silver were commonly used to fabricate SERS substrates, leveraging the electromagnetic mechanism (EM) to enhance the Raman signal. However, chemically synthesized nanoparticle-based SERS substrates suffer from low uniformity and reproducibility. Furthermore, the high cost associated with noble metals makes most SERS substrates expensive to produce. In this study, we present a straightforward method for fabricating a highly uniform and reproducible SERS substrate using a femtosecond laser-based 3D printer. Notably, our method offers good cost competitiveness since it requires only a minimal amount of gold coating for the SERS signal. Moreover, the proposed method exhibits exceptional versatility in SERS analysis and detection, catering to numerous targets in the field.

Advancements in mercury detection using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs): a review

“…Recent advancements addressing these challenges involve employing 3D printing techniques with femtosecond lasers, providing precise control over the size and distance between nanostructures. 55,86,96 This technology has shown promise in creating substrates with improved uniformity and enhanced sensitivity for mercury analysis.…”

A 3D printed sheath flow interface for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection in flow

“…36,[40][41][42] Recently, 3D printing has even been used to produce SERS active substrates. 43,44 Here we report the development of a 3D printed device for in flow SERS detection that incorporates a sheath fluid to improve detection. This device only costs 2.60 USD to produce, and can easily be modified to accommodate a variety of SERS substrates.…”