Optimization of Silver-PDMS and Gold-PDMS Surface Nanocomposite Fabrication Technologies Considering LSPR and SERS Applications

Silver and gold nanoparticles embedded into the surface of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) were investigated. The surface nanocomposites were synthesized both on PDMS membranes and inside PDSM based microfluidic chips. The fabrication methods were optimized in order to maximize the bulk refractive index sensitivity of the nanocomposites. The sensors are intended for biosensor applications, where a bioreceptor layer would be formed on the surface of the nanoparticles to bind target molecules. The produced nanolayers were characterized by Raman-spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy based on their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. These cost-effectively produced nanocomposites can be successfully utilized for LSPR and SERS (surface-enhanced Raman-spectroscopy) purposes.