In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of a SARS-CoV-2 Biomarker Using Flexible and Transparent Polydimethylsiloxane Films with Embedded Au Nanoplates.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an ongoing issue worldwide and continues to disrupt daily life. Transmission of infection primarily occurs through secretions when in contact with infected individuals, but more recent evidence has shown that fomites are also a source of virus transmission, especially in cold-chain logistics. Traditional nucleic acid testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contamination in cold-chain logistics is time-consuming and inaccurate because of the multiplex sampling sites.

SARS-CoV-2 proteins monitored by long-range surface plasmon field-enhanced Raman scattering with hybrid bowtie nanoaperture arrays and nanocavities.

The identification of biomacromolecules by using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) remains a challenge because of the near-field effect of traditional substrates. Long-range surface plasmon resonance (LRSPR) is a special type of surface optical phenomenon that provides higher electromagnetic field enhancement and longer penetration depth than conventional surface plasmon resonance. To break the limit of SERS detection distance and obtain a SERS substrate with increased enhancement ability, a bowtie nanoaperture array was sandwiched between two symmetric dielectric environments.