Re-cleaneable SERS devices for Personalised Health and Environmental sensing

We have invented an optical enhancement technique based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using self-assembled gold nanostructures that can fingerprint a wide range of bioanalytes (neurotransmitters, hormones) at clinical concentrations in biofluids. Current SERS substrates suffer from poor repeatability, fouling from organics, and non-reusability, which is why they have not made it into biomedical use. We have developed a new capability to create precision nano-gap materials that trap light to generate ultra-reliable billion-fold detection enhancements, while also allowing repeated recleaning. This makes low-cost SERS sensing a viable technology capable of translation, potentially with deployment below €1k and sub-1¢ per test.