Heterostructured ZnO/Au nanoparticles-based resonant Raman scattering for protein detection.

A new method of protein detection was explored on the resonant Raman scattering signal of ZnO nanoparticles. A probe for the target protein was constructed by binding the ZnO/Au nanoparticles to secondary protein by eletrostatic interaction. The detection of proteins was achieved by an antibody-based sandwich assay. A first antibody, which could be specifically recognized by target protein, was attached to a solid silicon surface. The ZnO/Au protein probe could specifically recognize and bind to the complex of the target protein and first antibody. This method on the resonant Raman scattering signal of ZnO nanoparticles showed good selectivity and sensitivity for the target protein.