Flexible SERS substrate for portable Raman analysis of biosamples

Abstract Recent development of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) as an extremely sensitive analytical method requires the introduction of flexible SERS substrate for express, out- doors measurements. Herein, we demonstrate an approach for creation of flexible SERS substrate, exhibiting high reproducibility and reliability of analytical results. The flexible SERS substrates are produced by the excimer laser patterning of thin polymer films, followed by the deposition of thin Au layer. The thickness of polymer films allows their further self-adhesion to a targeted surface. The proposed method allows the creation of macroscopically large plasmon-active area on the polymer film. The effectivity of SERS substrate was optimized by proper choice of the parameters of laser pattering, the thickness of flexible polymer film and amount of the deposited gold. The substrates were optimized using the typical SERS analyte - R6G. Suitability of the present substrate for the detection of bio-objects (yeast cell) was demonstrated too. All SERS measurements were performed with portable Raman spectrometers and the possibility of the implementation of created SERS substrate for rapid and unpretentious outdoor analysis was demonstrated.