Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique for characterizing organic and inorganic materials with spatial resolution in the micrometer range. This makes it a method of choice for space-mission sample characterization, whether on return or in situ. To enhance its sensitivity, we use signal amplification via interaction with plasmonic silver-based colloids, which corresponds to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). In this study, we focus on the analysis of biomolecules of prebiotic interest on extraterrestrial dust trapped in silica aerogel, jointly with the Japanese Tanpopo mission. The aim is twofold: to prepare samples as close as possible to the real ones, and to optimize analysis by SERS for this specific context. Serpentinite was chosen as the inorganic matrix and adenine as the target biomolecule. The dust was projected at high velocity into the trapping aerogel and then mechanically extracted. A quantitative study shows effective detection even for adenine doping from a 5·10mol/L solution. After the dust has been expelled from the aerogel using a solvent, SERS mapping enables unambiguous adenine detection over the entire dust surface. This study shows the potential of SERS as a key technique not only for return samples, but also for upcoming new explorations.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/gels10040249 | DOI Listing |
Molecules
January 2025
School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
DNA methylation has been widely studied with the goal of correlating the genome profiles of various diseases with epigenetic mechanisms. Multiple approaches have been developed that employ extensive steps, such as bisulfite treatments, polymerase chain reactions (PCR), restriction digestion, sequencing, mass analysis, etc., to identify DNA methylation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecules
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Aiming toward a novel, noninvasive technique, with a real-time potential application in the monitoring of the complexation of steroidal neuromuscular blocker drugs Vecuronium () and Rocuronium () with sugammadex (, medication for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by or in general anesthesia), we developed proof-of-principle methodology based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Silver nanoparticles prepared by the reduction of silver ions with hydroxylamine hydrochloride were used as SERS-active substrates, additionally aggregated with calcium nitrate as needed. The and SERS spectra were obtained within the biorelevant 5 × 10-1 × 10 M range, as well as the SERS of , though the latter was observed only in the presence of the aggregating agent.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
Nanozymes, a kind of nanoparticles with enzyme-mimicking activities, have attracted considerable attention due to their robust catalytic properties, ease of preparation, and resistance to harsh conditions. By combining nanozymes with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology, highly sensitive and selective sensors have been developed. These sensors are capable of detecting a wide range of analytes, such as foodborne toxins, environmental pollutants, and biomedical markers.
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January 2025
Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
Pesticide residues on fruits pose a global food safety concern, emphasizing the need for effective and practical removal strategies to ensure safe consumption. This study investigates the efficacy of household ingredients (corn starch, all-purpose flour, rice flour and baking soda) and four commercial fresh produce wash products in eliminating a model pesticide thiabendazole with and without a model non-ionic surfactant Alligare 90 from postharvest fruits. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was employed for the rapid, in situ quantification of residue removal on apple surfaces.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Environ Sci (China)
July 2025
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. Electronic address:
Persistent toxic substances (PTS) represent a paramount environmental issue in the 21st century. Understanding the concentrations and forms of PTS in the environment is crucial for accurately assessing their environmental health impacts. This article presents a concise overview of the components of PTS, pertinent environmental regulations, and conventional detection methodologies.
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