Nanosensors based on functionalized nanoparticles and surface enhanced raman scattering

Patent · Mon Nov 26 23:00:00 EST 2007

OSTI ID:920688

Talley, Chad E ^[1]; Huser, Thomas R ^[2]; Hollars, Christopher W ^[1]; Lane, Stephen M ^[3]; Hart, Bradley R ^[1]; Laurence, Ted A ^[2]

---

1. Brentwood, CA
2. Livermore, CA
3. Oakland, CA

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a vibrational spectroscopic technique that utilizes metal surfaces to provide enhanced signals of several orders of magnitude. When molecules of interest are attached to designed metal nanoparticles, a SERS signal is attainable with single molecule detection limits. This provides an ultrasensitive means of detecting the presence of molecules. By using selective chemistries, metal nanoparticles can be functionalized to provide a unique signal upon analyte binding. Moreover, by using measurement techniques, such as, ratiometric received SERS spectra, such metal nanoparticles can be used to monitor dynamic processes in addition to static binding events. Accordingly, such nanoparticles can be used as nanosensors for a wide range of chemicals in fluid, gaseous and solid form, environmental sensors for pH, ion concentration, temperature, etc., and biological sensors for proteins, DNA, RNA, etc.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: United States Department of Energy
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (Livermore, CA)
• Patent Number(s): 7,301,624
• Application Number: 10/935,783
• OSTI ID: 920688
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English