SERS Structure Transfer via Capillary Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing SERS induced structures on rigid substrates complicate sampling and detection due to uneven adsorption and low signal reproducibility, especially on non-planar surfaces, limiting their practical application and increasing manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A method for transferring SERS induced structures using a water-soluble thin film and capillary separation, allowing the structure to be detached from a substrate and reattached onto flexible materials like cotton or paper, enabling effective signal amplification and improved reproducibility on various surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If chemical synthesis methods are used to fabricate flexible SERS substrates, then the substrate can be made flexible and portable, but the surface roughness causes serious laser scattering and low signal reproducibility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsignal reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the SERS induced structure from the flexible substrate through capillary separation, allowing the structure to be transferred to a flat rigid substrate where it can be precisely controlled and reproduced, while the flexible substrate serves only as a temporary carrier during the transfer process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a water-soluble thin film as an intermediary layer between the SERS induced structure and the flexible substrate. This thin film enables the structure to be formed on the flexible substrate and then easily separated through capillary action when exposed to water, allowing transfer to a flat rigid substrate for improved signal reproducibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If SERS induced structures are fabricated directly on flexible materials, then the detection process becomes simpler and more portable, but manufacturing high-quality nanostructures is difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection process simplicityVSAvoidnanostructure manufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the manufacturing process into two independent stages: first, fabricating high-quality SERS induced structures on a flat rigid substrate using established techniques; second, transferring these structures to flexible substrates through capillary separation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, maintaining manufacturing quality while achieving the desired flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The water-soluble thin film acts as a transferable intermediary that carries the SERS induced structure from the flat rigid substrate to the flexible substrate. This intermediary enables the structure to be manufactured with high precision on a flat surface and then transferred to maintain its quality while providing the flexibility needed for portable detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional rigid substrates are used for SERS sensing, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the sampling process becomes complex and detection is difficult on non-planar surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure manufacturing easeVSAvoidsampling simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate with transferred SERS induced structure serves as an intermediary sensing element that can be directly applied to non-planar surfaces. The substrate's flexibility allows it to conform to various surface geometries, enabling simple sampling through direct contact while maintaining the structural stability needed for reliable SERS detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach enhances signal reproducibility and expands the application of SERS to non-planar surfaces, minimizing laser scattering and surface roughness issues, thus improving the detection of clinical samples with high sensitivity and ease.

Implementation Method 1

separating the SERS induced structure from the substrate through capillary separation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary separation: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect accurately detects clinical samples down to the single-atomic level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface-enhanced Raman scattering:

Implementation Method 3

forming a water-soluble thin film on a substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20240410832A1Surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) induced structure transfer method for rubbing techniques

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 RES & BUSINESS FOUND SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIV

AI summary

Since the transfer of an SERS induced structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure uses the interfacial energy between a water surface and a thin film substructure, it is possible to perform the transfer intact without any damage to the structure. At this time, the SERS induced structure is transferred onto a non-uniform and rough surface, wherein since the transfer structure covers the surface, various types of flexible materials may be used. As a result, Raman signals and laser scattering are minimized, thereby increasing signal reproducibility, and various physical properties of a transfer target may be applied to rubbing techniques.