Synthesis of gold nanoparticles for enhancement of Raman scattering (SERS) and fluorescence (SEF) targeting sensory applications

Author(s)

Sabrina Aléssio Camacho

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Bauru. 2018-02-28.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências. Bauru
• Defense date: 2018-01-24
• Advisor: Carlos José Leopoldo Constantino

Abstract

The present work covers the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles with specific plasmonic properties incorporated into nanostructured thin films of target molecules, as metalloporphyrins and others. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs 16 nm) were incorporated into Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of metalloporphyrin aiming the SERS effect (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy). AuNPs were incorporated by co-deposition, taking advantage of the interaction between the AuNPs (in the Langmuir film subphase) and the metalloporphyrin molecules (sprayed at the air/water interface). Gold shell-isolated nanoparticles (Au-SHINs), with different sizes (40 and 100 nm) and same silica shell thickness (10 nm), were also incorporated into LB films and in aqueous solution targeting the SEF effect (surface-enhanced fluorescence). Three variables were applied to increase the fluorescence: size of nanoparticle, aggregation and sample temperature. Theoretical and experimental results showed that the Au-SHINs 100 nm have an enhancement intensity about 3 times higher and a scattering 2 orders of magnitude higher than the Au-SHINs 40 nm, leading to higher enhancement factors (EF). Besides, the aggregation of Au-SHINs with electrolyte and the sample temperature decreased also resulted to higher EF. Aiming an environmental application, AuNPs 100 nm and Au-SHINs 100 nm coated with 4 nm of silica were applied to detect the herbicide ametryn. Ethanolic solution with concentration of 10-5 mol/L in AuNPs and Au-SHINs colloids were detected via SERS. While in sugar cane, the detection was only possible with AuNPs, however, with concentrations at the range from 10-4 to 10-8 mol/L, being 5.3 x 10-8 mol/L the maximum residual limit of ametryn allowed in agricultural products. Aiming a biological application, Au-SHINs 100 nm coated with 10 and 4 nm of silica were used in the development of SEF and SERS tags, respectively, for detecting IgM and Zika virus antigens on immunoassay platforms. The limits of detection were 5.0 and 12.5 ng/mL for IgM and Zika antigens, respectively. In the latter, it was possible the distinction with Dengue antigens, preventing the cross-reactivity, an obstacle frequently found in diagnostic assays of Zika. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/01897-4 - Synthesis of gold nanoparticles for enhancement of Raman scattering (SERS) and fluorescence (SEF) targeting sensory applications
• Grantee: Sabrina Aléssio Camacho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate