Triple Raman Label-Encoded Gold Nanoparticle Trimers for Simultaneous Heavy Metal Ion Detection.

Here, a triple Raman label-encoded gold nanoparticle (AuNP) trimer is fabricated for heavy metal ion detection. In the presence of target ions, the gold nanoparticles modified with different Raman labels are assembled into trimers and produce different enhancements of Raman reporters, which are functionalized as Raman probes for simultaneous silver and mercury ion detection. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection of Ag(+) and Hg(2+) reach 8.42 × 10(-12) and 16.78 × 10(-12) m, respectively.