A combined surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)/colorimetric approach for the sensitive detection of malondialdehyde in biological samples

Variations of malondialdehyde (MDA) level in biological samples often induce pathological changes, which is associated with various diseases. Here, we developed a combined surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and colorimetric strategy for MDA quantitation. The methodology is based on the condensation reaction between 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP)-modified Au nanoflowers (Au NFs) with the aldehyde groups of MDA, which causes the aggregation of the Au NFs and a concomitant change in the solution color from purple to blue and shifts in the local surface plasmon resonance band to longer wavelengths compared with monodisperse NFs. Additionally, after the condensation reaction, a new Raman peak ascribable to the C=N vibration appeared at 1630 cm(-1). The intensity of this peak was directly related to the concentration of MDA in solution, which allowed establishing the quantitative measurement of MDA based on SERS. The developed SERS assay displayed satisfactory sensitivity and selectivity with a broad linear range from 1.0 x 10(-12) to 1.0 x 10(-7) M and a low detection limit (similar to 3.6 x 10(-13) M), outperforming other reported optical and electrochemical methods. Furthermore, the use of 4 -ATP-modified Au NF probes to monitor MDA in human serum demonstrates the applicability of this combined SERS/ colorimetric approach in a real environment.

Automated summary

We developed a combined surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and colorimetric strategy for quantitating malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The method is based on a condensation reaction between 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP)-modified Au nanoflowers (Au NFs) and MDA, causing aggregation of the Au NFs and a color change from purple to blue. Additionally, a new Raman peak appeared at 1630 cm(-1) that correlated with MDA concentration, allowing for quantitative measurement based on SERS. The developed assay showed high sensitivity, selectivity, and a broad linear range, outperforming other optical and electrochemical methods.