Plastic spectral interference in the biological characterization by Raman or SERS spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) have been widely applied for characterizing biological samples. Nowadays, it is routine to use plastic products for biological sample preparation and analysis during spectral acquisition. However, plastic containers produce undesirable signals severely interfering with the spectra of biological samples, which is neglectable and misleading. Herein, we unveiled the physical and chemical interference of plastic products in the process of Raman spectroscopy characterization. Firstly, we revisited a representative case of interference from polystyrene plastics on normal Raman and SERS spectra of cysteine and demonstrated its physical interference due to misfocusing. Furthermore, we testified SERS spectra of aqueous solution stored in several plastic materials commonly used in biological experiments. The spectra indicate strong spectral interference from the leaching chemicals. To address these problems, we proposed a series of strategies to avoid interference from plastic products in the Raman and SERS characterization of biological samples.

Automated summary

Raman spectroscopy and SERS are widely used for characterizing biological samples, but plastic containers used during spectral acquisition can produce undesirable signals that interfere with the spectra. This study investigated the physical and chemical interference of plastic products in Raman spectroscopy characterization and proposed strategies to avoid interference from plastic products.