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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 June 2011
We report here a novel hybrid nanostructure for ultra-sensitive sensing applications based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We rationally engineered gold-coated polymer pillar structures, named as gold nanofingers, in analogy to the tweezers at nanoscale, for active molecule capture and detection using SERS technique. Using nanoimprint lithography, we have demonstrated a cost effective manufacturing method of making such hybrid structures over large scale and achieve reliable enhancement factor. In particular, we have demonstrated the sensing application of the nanofinger structures for melamine and chlropyrifos. The limit of detection (LOD) of melamine in water is found to be 10 nM (1.3 ppb), and LOD of chlropyrifos (a pesticide) is found to be 1 nM (0.35 ppb), which is below the EPA tolerance level of 0.1 ppm for chlropyrifos on citrus fruits.