SERS-based trace detection by size and shape controlled noble metal particles with high benefit-cost ratio

SERS has become a highly preferred method with the effect of advances in instrument technology and potential for application to many areas from medicine to art conservation for the detection of trace-level environmental and biological analytes. However, the effects of substrate variation and the details of the enhancement mechanism still of concern even much progress has been achieved in recent years. Therefore, it is important to control the size and shape of the materials for maximize the enhancement factor and ensure the reproducibility of the substrates by considering SERS uncertainty principle. In this study, we present novel SERS substrate preparation methods that are highly promising in terms of both signal enhancement and reproducibility with high benefit-cost ratio.