ABSTRACT: We report a simple and rapid method for fabricating a
surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate, which offers
good flexibility, excellent optical transparency, and high SERS activity.
Specifically, the SERS substrate (AuNPs/PMMA film) was obtained
through self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on newborn
poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) template. The UV−vis spectroscopy
analysis and scanning electron microscopy observation revealed
that the gold nanoparticles were closely assembled on the flexible and
transparent PMMA template. The fabricated AuNPs/PMMA film
SERS substrate allowed detection of model molecule, malachite green
isothiocyanate, at a concentration as low as 0.1 nM, and exhibited
good reproducibility in the SERS measurement. The Raman
enhancement factor (EF) of the AuNPs/PMMA film was found to
be as high as (2.4 ± 0.3) × 10
7
. In addition, measure of residual malachite green on fish surface was carried out, and the result
indicated that the AuNPs/PMMA film had great potential in the in situ ultrasensitive detection of analyte on irregular objects.