Silver nanoparticles with reduced graphene oxide for surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy of DNA constituents

Composite of silver nanoparticles with reduced graphene oxide flakes is proposed for surface enhanced vibrational spectroscopy, particularly for detection of adenine and thymine as constituents of deoxyribonucleic acid. Composite was formed by original method implying simultaneous reduction of silver ions and graphene oxide by discharge plasma at the gas–liquid interface. Combination of nanosized silver with reduced graphene oxide provided greater enhancement of Raman light scattering and infrared light absorption in comparison with separately used components. Addition of the composite to water solutions of adenine and thymine allowed detection of these analytes at micromolar concentrations. Composite of nano-silver with reduced graphene oxide can be prospective for surface enhanced spectroscopy as an alternative to the expensive lithographically prepared noble metal substrates.