Surface-Enhanced Spectroscopies for Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry: Transitioning to Chiral Biosensin
Dr.
Gregory
Wallace
Research
Associate
University
of
Strathclyde
Glasgow,
Scotland
Thursday,
January
26,
2023
1:30
p.m.
In-person: C2- 361 (Reading Room) and Online via MS Teams
Abstract: Surface-enhanced spectroscopies have emerged as new analytical techniques for the qualitative and quantitative detection of analytes. By coupling the unique vibrational fingerprints obtained by Raman and infrared spectroscopies with the strong enhancements offered by plasmonic nanostructures (Figure 1), it is possible to push the limits of detection. Of note is surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), where many have argued that single-molecule detection can be observed.1 SERS has also shown great promise as a bioanalytical technique for detection within complex biological environments, such as cells and tissues.2 This seminar reviews my recent endeavours in the use of plasmonic nanostructures for surface-enhanced spectroscopies, and in my proposed independent research.
The
first
portion
of
the
talk
will
cover
the
use
of
hollow
metallic
nanoshells
for
photothermal
therapy
and
SERS.
Interestingly,
we
have
observed
that
the
optical
properties
of
these
nanoparticles
change
under
photothermal
irradiation.
I
will
discuss
our
recent
efforts
to
better
understand
the
causes
of
these
phenomena.
The
second
part
of
my
presentation
will
explore
the
SERS
sensing
capabilities
of
plasmonic
nanofibers.
An
emphasis
is
placed
on
the
developed
blueprint
for
performing
these
types
of
measurements
in
ex
vivo
brain
tissue
slices.3
Finally,
I
will
introduce
my
short
through
long-term
research
goals
centered
around
the
detection
of
chiral
analytes
using
surface-enhanced
spectroscopies.
Figure 1. A) SEM image of lithographically prepared superimposed gold nanoprisms.4 B) TEM image of hollow metallic nanoshells. C) SEM image of a plasmonic nanofiber decorated with two different types of gold nanoparticles.
1. Wallace, G.Q.; Graham, D. Nat. Rev. Chem., 2022, 6, 842-843. 2. Wallace, G.Q.; Masson, J.-F. Analyst, 2020, 145, 7162-7185. 3. Wallace, G.Q.; et al. J. Chem. Phys., 2020, 153, 124702. 4. Wallace, G.Q.; et al. ACS Photonics, 2016, 3, 1723-1732