Achieving optimal SERS through enhanced experimental design

Abstract

One of the current limitations surrounding surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is the perceived lack of reproducibility. SERS is indeed challenging, and for analyte detection, it is vital that the analyte interacts with the metal surface. However, as this is analyte dependent, there is not a single set of SERS conditions that are universal. This means that experimental optimisation for optimum SERS response is vital. Most researchers optimise one factor at a time, where a single parameter is altered first before going onto optimise the next. This is a very inefficient way of searching the experimental landscape. In this review, we explore the use of more powerful multivariate approaches to SERS experimental optimisation based on design of experiments and evolutionary computational methods. We particularly focus on colloidal‐based SERS rather than thin film preparations as a result of their popularity. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Recent advances in linear and non‐linear Raman spectroscopy. Part XI

“…Fisk et al describe how to achieve optimal SERS through the use of enhanced experimental design. In this review, they explore the use of more powerful multivariate approaches to SERS experimental optimization based on design of experiments and evolutionary computational methods . Gabrieli and co‐workers used micro‐Raman and SERS to unfold Lefranc's early organic pigment formulations.…”

“…These reviews have already been highlighted in the general areas of their significance, above, but here, we list them again to draw additional attention to them. For the International Year of Light issue, the following reviews were published: Bersani and Lottici on Raman spectroscopy of minerals and mineral pigments in archaeometry; Buzzini and Suzuki on Forensic applications of Raman spectroscopy; Centeno on Identification of artistic materials in paintings and drawings by Raman spectroscopy; Fisk and co‐workers on Achieving optimal SERS through enhanced experimental design; Doty and co‐workers on What can Raman spectroscopy do for criminalistics? ; Gares and co‐workers on Review of explosive detection methodologies and the emergence of standoff deep UV resonance Raman; Ji, Zhao, and Ozaki on Semiconductor materials in analytical applications of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering; Kano and co‐workers on Hyperspectral coherent Raman imaging—Principle, theory, instrumentation, and applications to life sciences; Penido and co‐workers on Raman spectroscopy in forensic analysis: Identification of cocaine and other illegal drugs of abuse; Pozzi and Leona on Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology; Stoeckel and co‐workers on The application of Raman spectroscopy for the detection and identification of microorganisms; Yamamoto and Itoh on Why and how do the shapes of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectra change?…”

“…In this review, they explore the use of more powerful multivariate approaches to SERS experimental optimization based on design of experiments and evolutionary computational methods. [28] Gabrieli and co-workers used micro-Raman and SERS to unfold Lefranc's early organic pigment formulations. In this work, a combination of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods permitted the elucidation of the chemical composition of 16 early synthetic organic pigment powders from the Lefranc experimental laboratory collection dating between 1890 and 1914.…”

Editorial on the special issue of JRS on International Year of Light (IYL)

“…The next review by Fisk et al article focuses on this particular aspect and discusses various parameters for optimization of SERS experiments. In this article, the authors describe how multivariate approaches and computational methods can be adopted for SERS experimental optimization towards achieving greater reproducibility and credibility of SERS data . In the next SERS article, Pozzi and Leona have presented an in‐depth review of how SERS can be employed for analysing dyes or organic pigments present in artwork or in archaeologically relevant objects non‐destructively .…”

“…In this article, the authors describe how multivariate approaches and computational methods can be adopted for SERS experimental optimization towards achieving greater reproducibility and credibility of SERS data. [7] In the next SERS article, Pozzi and Leona have presented an in-depth review of how SERS can be employed for analysing dyes or organic pigments present in artwork or in archaeologically relevant objects non-destructively. [8] Finally, in a review by Yamamoto and Itoh, recent progress is described in the understanding of SERS intensity enhancement mechanisms by the analysis of SERS shape changes.…”