Abstract Metal film over nanosphere (FON) substrates are a mainstay of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements because they are inexpensive to fabricate, have predictable enhancement factors, and are relatively robust. This work includes a systematic investigation of how the three major FON fabrication parameters—nanosphere size, deposited metal thickness, and metal choice—impact the resulting localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). With these three parameters, it is quite simple to fabricate FONs with an optimal LSPR for SERS experiments with various excitation wavelengths. Some SERS experiments require that the substrates be incubated in organic solvents that have the potential to damage the substrate; as such, this work also explores how solvent incubation impacts the physical and optical properties of the FON substrate. Although no significant increase in physical damage is obvious, the LSPR does shift significantly. Finally, these optimized FONs were employed for the sensing of an important allergen, soybean agglutinin. The FONs were modified with a glycopolymer that has affinity for soybean agglutinin and clear Raman bands demonstrate detection of 10 μg/ml soybean agglutinin. Overall, this work serves the dual purpose of both sharing critical details about FON design and demonstrating detection of an important lectin analyte. 
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                            Plasmon-Tuned Particles for the Amplification of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering from Analytes
                        
                    
    
            Inelastic scattering from molecules because of vibrational modes produces unique Raman shifts, allowing these analytes to be detected with high specificity. Because Raman scattering is weak, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been used as a label-free technique for the detection of a variety of analytes at low concentrations. Using simple solution-based colloidal processing techniques, we have fabricated gold-coated carbon-black nanoparticles that show enhanced Raman activity. By varying the fabrication conditions, we create particles of different surface morphologies, allowing control over the peak wavelength for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). By matching the LSPR wavelength to the incident laser wavelength, we get the highest signal from two model analytes, 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4-NBT) and Congo Red (CR). Our straightforward room temperature solution-based approach for making tunable SERS-active particles expands the range of incident radiation wavelengths that can be used for the detection of analytes using Raman scattering. 
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                            - Award ID(s):
- 1919588
- PAR ID:
- 10386703
- Editor(s):
- Chen, Zan
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Langmuir
- Volume:
- 38
- ISSN:
- 0743-7463
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 14345-14354
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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