SERS Detection of Ricin B-Chain via N-Acetyl-Galactosamine Glycopolymers

A novel sensing scheme is exemplified through the detection of ricin B-chain (RBC) in water and liquid food matrices: surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with an N-acetyl-galactosamine glycopolymer capture layer. The sensing scheme's detection limit was well below that of the predicted oral exposure limit. Theoretical predictions of the normal Raman spectrum of the glycomonomer give insight into polymer-RBC intermolecular interactions.