Substrate Evaluation And Optimization For Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Of Bacteria
Abstract
The threat of biological agents to soldiers and the civilian community was amply demonstrated in the fall of 2001. The feasibility of using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect and identify bacteria is being evaluated. In order to use SERS for bacterial detection and identification, it is necessary to determine the most appropriate type of SERS substrate to use. We are examining gold colloids in suspension, immobilized gold colloids, electrochemically roughened gold, periodic particle arrays (PPA), and film over nanosphere substrates (FONS). Briefly, PPA's are prepared by depositing gold or silver in the interstitial spaces in a close-packed array of polystyrene nanospheres, while FONS are prepared by depositing approximately half a nanosphere diameter of gold or silver on top of a closepacked array of polymer nanospheres. We are evaluating each of these substrate types to determine which will have a high affinity for bacteria, whether we need to modify the surface of the substrate to attract bacteria, and the degree to which each type of substrate enhances the Raman scattering from the bacterial targets. At this point, our initial examination of gold colloids immobilized on glass surfaces has yielded mixed results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA484004
Entities
People
- Augustus W. Fountain Iii
- Christin Tombrello
- Kristl Dorschner
- Nicholas F. Fell Jr.
- Troy Alexander
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory