A team of researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology has developed a “broadband nanogap gold spectroscopic sensor” using a flexible material that can bend to create a controlled gap. This sensor allows for rapid testing of various materials, including infectious disease viruses, using only one nano-spectroscopic sensor to identify molecular fingerprints. The technology could play a crucial role in preparing for potential future virus outbreaks like COVID-19.
Raman spectroscopy, utilizing gold nanostructures, provides information about the internal structure and chemical properties of materials by analyzing the distinct vibrations of molecules known as “molecular fingerprints.” Current high-sensitivity Raman spectroscopy sensors can only detect one type of virus with a single device, limiting productivity, detection speed, and cost for clinical applications. The research team aims to address these limitations by fabricating a one-dimensional structure featuring gold nanogaps that can accommodate single molecules with a precise fit, enabling large-area, high-sensitivity Raman spectroscopic sensing.
The team has integrated flexible materials onto the sensor’s substrate and developed a source technology for a broadband active nano-spectral sensor, allowing tailored detection of specific substances like viruses by adjusting the nanogap’s width to suit the size and type of materials. By combining adaptive optics technology used in space optics, the sensitivity and controllability of the sensor have been improved. The team has also proposed extending the one-dimensional structure into a two-dimensional spectroscopic sensor, theoretically enhancing Raman spectroscopic signals by several billion times for real-time virus detection within seconds.
The research team’s achievements are currently pending patent approval and are expected to be utilized for rapid and high-sensitivity real-time testing during unexpected infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 to prevent widespread transmission. Lead author Taeyoung Moon highlights the importance of their work in advancing scientific research and facilitating practical applications by enabling rapid detection of a wide range of emerging viruses using a single, customized sensor. The collaborative research involved teams from UNIST’s Department of Physics and Department of Chemistry, as well as researchers from POSTECH’s Department of Physics who conducted measurements.
Overall, the development of the broadband nanogap gold spectroscopic sensor could revolutionize virus detection and analysis, offering a practical and efficient solution for identifying and responding to infectious diseases like COVID-19 in real-time. The use of flexible materials and advanced adaptive optics technology enhances the sensor’s sensitivity and controllability, making it a valuable tool for rapid response efforts during health emergencies. The research findings have been published in the international journal Nano Letters, showcasing the team’s innovative approach to molecular sensing and virus detection.
