Composite Nanoparticles with Nano-Star Gold Core and Platinum Shell for SERS

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SERS-active particles lack biocompatibility, stability, and efficient mass production methods for in vivo applications, and struggle to protect organic Raman reporters from external environments while achieving high sensitivity and tunable localized surface plasmon resonance.

Innovation Solution

The development of composite nanoparticles with a nano-star shaped metal nanocore and a self-assembled metal shell, where the Raman reporter is fixed within the nanocore and shell, allowing for biocompatibility and the formation of hot spots for enhanced Raman scattering without the need for surfactants, enabling in vivo use and mass production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional SERS-active particles are used, then high sensitivity is achieved, but biocompatibility is poor and separate capping treatment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidbiocompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a metal nanocore (gold or silver) coated with a biocompatible metal shell (platinum, palladium, or rhodium). This composite structure maintains the SERS activity of the inner metal core while the outer biocompatible shell provides safety for in vivo use, eliminating the need for separate capping treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

A thin metal shell is formed on the surface of the nanocore to provide biocompatibility while maintaining the underlying SERS-active structure. The shell acts as a protective layer that allows direct in vivo application without additional capping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If organic Raman reporters are exposed to external environments, then easy measurement is achieved, but stability and protection from degradation is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement convenienceVSAvoidRaman reporter stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The Raman reporter molecule is nested within the metal nanocore structure, specifically positioned in the inner cavity or on the inner surface. This nested configuration protects the organic Raman reporter from external environmental degradation while still allowing it to function for SERS detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If LSPR wavelength is tuned to specific range, then detection specificity is improved, but adaptability to different detection needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection specificityVSAvoidLSPR tuning range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The LSPR wavelength can be tuned by changing the material composition (gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium), particle size, and shell thickness of the composite nanoparticle structure, allowing adaptation to different detection requirements while maintaining detection specificity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If complex post-treatment processes are applied, then biocompatibility is improved, but production time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidmass production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Biocompatibility is built into the nanoparticle structure during the synthesis process by forming a biocompatible metal shell on the nanocore. This preliminary incorporation of biocompatibility eliminates the need for subsequent capping or post-treatment steps, enabling direct mass production of ready-to-use nanoparticles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composite nanoparticles demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility, durability, and high SERS activity, allowing for direct in vivo application without post-treatment, with tunable LSPR wavelengths for near-infrared detection and stable protection of organic components.

Implementation Method 1

capable of generating remarkably improved Raman scattering signals because two or more different hot spots are positioned on the particles themselves, and capable of tuning a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLocalized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR): Resonance

Implementation Method 2

an organic matter including a Raman reporter is stably protected from external environments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11479474B2Composite nanoparticles and method of preparing the same

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 KOREA RES INST OF STANDARDS & SCI

AI summary

Provided is a method of preparing composite nanoparticles, which includes: a) preparing a metal nanocore having a nano-star shape from a first reaction solution in which a first metal precursor is mixed with a first buffer solution; b) fixing a Raman reporter in the metal nanocore; and c) forming a metal shell, which surrounds the nanocore in which the Raman reporter is fixed, from a second reaction solution in which the nanocore in which the Raman reporter is fixed, and a second metal precursor are mixed with a second buffer solution.