Work

Pen-on-Paper Label-Free Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Detection of Tetracycline in Milk

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Monitoring food quality requires the development of low-cost and sensitive analytical tools with label-free and point-of-site detection capabilities. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique that combines fingerprint detection capabilities with high sensitivity. In this paper, we present the pen-on-paper fabrication of SERS substrates, whereby plasmonic nanoinks were written on a paper substrate and used for the detection of food contaminant residues. To construct sensitive and robust SERS sensors, four different nanoinks with different plasmonic properties were synthesized and tested on eight papers of different weights, textures, and hydrophilicities. The combination of silver nanoink and Bristol printing paper resulted in the strongest SERS substrate, which was used for crystal violet (CV) and tetracycline detection. Concentrations as low as 10 –12 M were obtained for CV and 2.5 ppm of tetracycline in milk, showing the application potential of these paper-based SERS sensors for label-free detection of residuals in complex food matrices.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c01637

Authors: Alida Russo, Martina Piletti, Aidan J. Quinn, Daniela Iacopino

Institutions: University College Cork, Tyndall National Institute

Language: English

Topic: Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935

Funder: Science Foundation Ireland