Analyte-shaped cavities associated with enhancing particle structures for analyte detection

摘要

This invention comprises novel matrices comprising enhancing structures associated with analyte-shaped cavities. The structures are useful for Raman spectroscopic analyses of analytes in complex solutions. Analytes that can be detected using these methods include nucleic acids, proteins, and other molecules or viruses that can specifically bind to the arrays. Enhancing structures are disclosed that enhance the Raman signal produced by an analyte through surface and resonance phenomena. Analyte-shaped cavities associated with enhancing structures can be formed, which are complementary to a large number of desired analytes. Novel methods are presented for manufacturing matrices and biochips comprising enhancing structures associated with analyte-shaped cavities. The matrices and biochips of this invention can produce Raman signals that can be used for highly specific, sensitive assays of biological molecules and viruses.