Photovoltaic cells as a highly efficient system for biomedical and electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis. Issue 2 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Niciński, K.; Witkowska, E.; Korsak, D.; Noworyta, K.; Trzcińska-Danielewicz, J.; Girstun, A.; Kamińska, A.
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 9:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 576
• Page End: 591
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c8ra08319c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : We have developed a conductive SERS platform based on photovoltaic materials (PV) covered with a thin layer of silver, especially useful in electrochemical SERS analysis. Abstract : Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been intensively used recently as a highly sensitive, non-destructive, chemical specific, and label-free technique for a variety of studies. Here, we present a novel SERS substrate for: (i) the standard ultra-trace analysis, (ii) detection of whole microorganisms, and (iii) spectroelectrochemical measurements. The integration of electrochemistry and SERS spectroscopy is a powerful approach for in situ investigation of the structural changes of adsorbed molecules, their redox properties, and for studying the intermediates of the reactions. We have developed a conductive SERS platform based on photovoltaic materials (PV) covered with a thin layer of silver, especially useful in electrochemical SERS analysis. These substrates named Ag/PV presented in this study combine crucial spectroscopic features such as high sensitivity, reproducibility, specificity, and chemical/physical stability. The designed substrates permit the label-free identification and differentiation of cancer cells (renal carcinoma) and pathogens ( Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis ). In addition, the developed SERS platform was adopted as the working electrode in an electrochemical SERS approach for p -aminothiophenol ( p -ATP) studies. The capability to monitor in real-time the electrochemical changes spectro-electro-chemically has great potential for broadening the application of SERS.