| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make methods of in vitro and in vivo detection of a biochemical analyte employing Raman scattering easier and more sensitive. <P>SOLUTION: A nanoparticle ("nanoshell") is used, and the particle has a non-conducting core and a metal shell surrounding the core. For given core and shell materials, the ratio of the thickness (i.e., radius) of the core to the thickness of the metal shell is determinative of the wavelength of maximum absorbance of the particle. By controlling the relative thicknesses of the core and shell, a biosensing metal nanoshell is fabricated which absorbs light at a given wavelength across the ultraviolet to infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The surface of the particle is capable of inducing an enhanced SERS signal that is characteristic of an analyte of interest. In certain embodiments, a biomolecule is conjugated to the metal shell and the SERS signal of a conformational change or a reaction product is detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT |
