SERRS coded nanoparticles for biomolecular labelling with wavelength-tunable discrimination.

The preparation and use of tri-functional linkers for surface complexation to both gold and silver nanoparticles is reported. These molecules confer excellent stability towards nanoparticles ensuring particle monodispersity in biological buffers, and also incorporate dyes to allow use of the functionalised nanoparticles as SERRS reporters. Biomolecule conjugation and quantitation has been illustrated using Alexafluor 680 labelled streptavidin. Variation of the chromophore has been introduced, which allows for exquisite control of the SERRS by manipulation of laser wavelength. This demonstrates the potential of SERRS functionalised nanoparticles for multiple, simultaneous monitoring of excitation events, an area of research where the capability of molecular fluorophores and quantum dots is limited.