Fiberoptics SERS sensors using plasmonic nanostar probes for detection of molecular biotargets

Our group has integrated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) silver coated gold nanostars on an optical fiber. Fiber-based sensors are an in-situ technology that can simultaneously bring the sensor and light to the sample without disturbing the environment. This technology is a multi-use method that does not require complex sample preparation. Fiber sensors or optrodes, enable the detection of analytes in samples that are difficult to access. Additionally, optrodes allow for specific detection while evading background signals from non-target regions. The fiber-optrode was used to detect miRNA and illegal food additives.