Nanospray-assisted deposition of silver nanoparticles for mapping of a peptide in nanofibrous layers via surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry

• DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124313
• Publication Date: 2023-01-28T00:53:41Z
• Authors: Vladimir Jonas; Anna Tycova; Jan Prikryl; Adela Kotzianova; Vladimir Velebny; Frantisek Foret
• Keywords: surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry; nanoparticles; nanospray; 01 natural sciences; 0104 chemical sciences

Surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry (SERS) is a universal detection tool identifying molecules via vibrations of their chemical bonds. Its function requires the close localization of metal nanostructures and the analyte. In this work, we present a lab-made instrumentation for the deposition of silver nanoparticles on a strongly hydrophilic nanofibrous composite via a nanospray for SERS mapping of an incorporated peptide. The nanospray-sample distance was revealed as the most crucial parameter since it directly influences the moisture of the deposited colloid. Residual water was recognized as a sensitivity enhancer. Additionally, we continuously introduced a solution of sodium chloride to the colloid increasing its ionic strength, which formed a more homogeneous profile of the deposit. After the deposition process, the treated sample was scanned via a SERS laser and the collected Raman spectra were transformed into a distribution map of the peptide at a concentration of 5 μg/g.