Natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis was used as a matrix to synthesize gold nanoparticles
(AuNPs), leading to an organic–inorganic hybrid latex of NRL-supported AuNPs (AuNPs@NRL). The in situ
and environmentally friendly preparation of AuNPs in an NRL matrix was developed by thermal treatment
without using any other reducing agents or stabilizers because natural rubber particles and non-rubber
components present in serum can serve as supporters for the synthesized AuNPs. As a result, the
nanosized and well-dispersed AuNPs not only are decorated on the surface of natural rubber particles,
but also can be found in the serum of NRL. The size of the AuNPs presented in NRL matrix can be
controlled by adjusting the concentration of NRL. Furthermore, the flexible surface-enhanced Raman
scattering (SERS) substrates made from the AuNPs@NRL through vacuum filtration presented good
enhancement of the Raman probe molecule of 4-mercaptopyridine and outstanding SERS
reproducibility. The capability of synthesizing the bio-supported nanohybrid latex provides a novel green
and simple approach for the fabrication of flexible and effective SERS substrates