| 초록 |
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is non-destructive and ultra-sensitvie analytical technique. However, metal surfaces are prone to contamination by irreversible adsorption of large protein molecules, which hinder the raman signal of small molecules in biological fluid. To achieve size-selective permeation of molecules for direct SERS detection of small molecules dissolved in complex mixtures, we use semi-permeable microgels. The homogeneous network of water-swollen gel possesses consistent mesh size, thereby providing size-selective permeation. To make SERS-active sites in microgels, we destabilize silver nanocubes and produce agglomerates in water-in-oil emulsion drops by introducing salt and photo-polymerized by UV. The microgels selectively exclude large adhesive proteins, while allowing infusion of smaller molecules than mesh size. Therefore, the microgels enable the direct detection of small molecules dissolved in biological fluids without reduction of sensitivity. |
