Nanogold-capped poly(DEGDMA) microparticles as surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates for DNA detection

A novel platform for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was fabricated consisting of diethylene glycol dimethacrylate microparticles prepared by gamma-radiation initiated polymerization and decorated with gold nanoparticles. The comparison of bare and decorated microparticles shows significant SERS enhancement in the Raman signal of rhodamine 6G on the latter. For 532, 633 and 785 nm excitations the near-infrared one was found to show the highest enhancement on the substrate, which also showed excellent temporal stability and spatial uniformity. The practical application potential of the SERS substrate is demonstrated with the detection of deoxyribonucleic acid sequences.