Multifunctional Microgel Magnetic/Optical Traps for SERS Ultradetection

We report on the fabrication of a SERS substrate comprising magnetic and silver particles encapsulated within a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) thermoresponsive microgel. This colloidal substrate has the ability to adsorb analytes from Solution while it is expanded (low temperature) and reversibly generate hot spots upon collapse (high temperature or drying). Additionally, the magnetic functionality permits concentration of the composite particles into small regions, which can be exploited to decrease the amount of material the analysis while improving its SERS detection limit Proof of concept for the sequestration of uncommon molecular systems is demonstrated through the first SERS analysis of pentachlorophenol (PCP), a chlorinated ubiquitous environmental pollutant.