Technology Overview

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), a promising tool with great potential. It can be readily used for rapid detection in trace chemical analyses, unlike other standard techniques. However, there are still limited commercial applications that are viable, due to lack of reproducibility in signal intensities, and existing techniques that lack scalability and versatility.

We offer a solution of SERS substrates, that can be utilized in a wide range of applications, such as for trace detection in food ingredients, forensic investigations, and medical studies.

We are seeking private or public organisations, with suitable applications for this technology, to license or transfer this technology for manufacturing or co-development.

Technology Features, Specifications and Advantages

The series of the SERS substrates, all with the size of 5x5 mm2 active area, has been made possible into 3 grades :

• Highest grade SERS substrates are carefully crafted with a single-step physical vapor deposition, with an inert-gas-filled packaging required. A large-scale production is available up to 250 pcs/batch. Each SERS substrate allows a 1-time use with the highest performance. They are compatible with any types of the analyte solution and Raman measurement systems.
• Cost-effective SERS substrates utilize a multi-step process of laser engravement and physical vapor deposition, with a conventional packaging. A large-scale production is available up to 150 pcs/batch. Each SERS substrate are nano-engineered with unique nano-scale features embedded in microstructures. They are compatible with any portable or handheld Raman spectrometers.
• Reusable SERS substrates utilize a multi-step process of hydrothermal synthesis and physical vapor deposition, with a conventional packaging. A made-to-order production allows up to 30 pcs/batch. Each SERS substrate deliver up to 10 reusable cycles with a UV-light illumination, which enable photocatalytic oxidation from the substrates. The UV exposure would result in decompositions of most organic substances previously adhered on the chip’s surface

Potential Applications

These SERS substrates can be utilised in a wide range of applications such as :

• Forensics investigation
• Molecular diagnostics
• Immunoassays
• Detection of protein biomarkers for diagnosis
• Glucose sensing
• Drug screening
• Stem cell differentiation
• Drug delivery

Customer Benefit

• Able to deliver highly enhanced Raman signals, up to 100 times compared to commercially available products
• Able to deliver up to 10 reusable cycles with simple UV exposure
• Cost-effective substrate based on unique nanostructures in micro- to nano-mater scales
• Compatible with most portable or handheld Raman spectrometers for simple and rapid Raman screening process