Quantitative SERS Analysis by Employing Janus Nanoparticles with Internal Standards

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a powerful analysis technique featuring ultrahigh sensitivity and the ability in chemically specific detection, has encountered intrinsic challenges in quantitative analysis due to the signal heterogeneity arising from sample preparation, molecular distribution, and experimental conditions. Herein, the plasmonic Janus nanoparticle, which is curved on one side and flat on the other, as a universal platform for quantitative analysis is proposed. The probe molecules are adsorbed on the curved side as internal standards to correct the signal fluctuation while the target molecules are adsorbed on the flat side for SERS measurement, and thus competitive adsorption between different molecules is prevented. Moreover, the Janus nanoparticles are partially embedded in a flexible and transparent membrane, enabling liquid-state SERS measurement which is favorable to form a uniform self-assembly molecular monolayer for quantitative SERS analysis. The quantitation of different biochemical molecules including Rhodamine 6G, crystal violet, and adenine are demonstrated, and an extension in linear response region for quantitative analysis is observed. The findings suggest a robust approach toward quantitative analysis.