Wasatch Photonics and Nikalyte Ltd. are happy to announce a partnership to facilitate analysis and testing of a novel SERS substrate for hint detection of supplies, with functions in narcotics, meals security, prescribed drugs, environmental, and organic evaluation.
Picture Credit score: Nikalyte
Floor Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a specialised type of Raman spectroscopy through which the analyte of curiosity interacts with gold or silver nanostructures to considerably improve the Raman sign. It allows Raman spectroscopy, a way most frequently used for the identification of bulk supplies, to be utilized to the detection of hint portions of doubtless dangerous or biologically related compounds.
Nikalyte Ltd., a number one provider of nanoparticle coating tools and companies, has developed a brand new type of substrate for SERS evaluation. It incorporates the convenience of use of a stable SERS substrate with the reproducibility of liquid SERS at a cheap worth level, thus overcoming earlier limitations to widespread use of the SERS approach.
Picture Credit score: Nikalyte
Standard wet-deposited SERS substrates supply handy pattern preparation in that they make use of an absorbent pad mounted to a microscope slide, however usually show vital spatial inhomogeneities, leading to low sign reproducibility. SERS utilizing colloidal gold nanoparticles in aqueous resolution, in distinction, yield very reproducible indicators, however require dealing with of options that’s not conducive to subject use by non-experts.
The Nikalyte SERS substrate strategy is exclusive in that it makes use of gold nanoparticles generated and deposited in vacuum, making certain that they’re ultra-pure and extremely uniformly distributed. As no chemical substances are used within the synthesis of the nanoparticles, the SERS substrates are freed from contamination, delivering superior sensitivity and specificity. These substrates can be found for lower than $10 USD at take a look at portions, and might be scaled for quantity use.
Collectively, Nikalyte and Wasatch Photonics are evaluating the efficiency of those new SERS substrates to be used in quite a lot of related functions. Wasatch Photonics is a number one producer of excessive sensitivity, field-portable Raman spectrometers at wavelengths spanning 248-1064 nm, and as such, is well-positioned to judge the efficiency of the SERS substrates. Up to now, using 785 nm and 830 nm excitation has been assessed for hint detection of a consultant drug analyte, demonstrating a 1000x improve within the restrict of detection utilizing the Nikalyte SERS substrates.
The outcomes of this research have been revealed right here on the Wasatch Photonics web site. Future work will give attention to enhancing the restrict of detection additional, and on research of different analytes related for promising SERS functions.
Floor enhanced Raman is an thrilling and quickly rising subject. We’re very excited to be working with Wasatch Photonics to judge and develop our SERS expertise and to push the boundaries of what present SERS sensors can supply.
Dr Vicky Broadley, Nikalyte Gross sales and Advertising and marketing Director
About Wasatch Photonics
Based in 2002, Wasatch Photonics designs, manufactures and markets high-sensitivity compact spectrometers and techniques for Raman, fluorescence, and UV/VIS/NIR spectroscopy based mostly by itself patented excessive effectivity quantity section holographic (VPH) gratings. The corporate additionally affords VPH gratings for pulse compression, astronomy, spectral imaging, and optical coherence tomography (OCT), in addition to spectrometers and modules for OCT.
Our high-performance VPH gratings, spectrometers, and techniques are utilized in analysis labs world wide. We additionally work extensively with OEM companions spanning a various vary of industries, together with protection and safety, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical, vitality, training, laptop, and electronics sectors. To be taught extra about us, please go to www.wasatchphotonics.com.
About Nikalyte
Nikalyte Ltd. is a leading supplier of nanoparticle coating equipment and coating services for both academic and commercial research and development. Nikalyte’s products range from simple-to-use teaching tools to advanced research equipment and bespoke solutions. Nikalyte’s technology generates nanoparticles in vacuum, to offer ultra-pure, ligand-free nanocoating with superior control over nanoparticle properties.
Our equipment and coatings are used worldwide in a wide variety of application areas, including catalysis, electrochemistry, photonics, sensing, battery technology, and life sciences.
Nikalyte’s experienced technical team also offers advice on nanoparticle applications and UHV systems and has helped our customers to develop new nanocoating technology from proof of concept, through pilot equipment design, to scale-up for manufacture. To learn more about us, please visit www.nikalyte.com.