Fabrication and characterization of the new generation of SERS substrates based on block-copolymers for biological and environmental applications

The work describes the development, synthesis, characterization and application of the new generation of SERS (Surface-enhanced Raman scattering) substrates based on block-copolymers self-assembly, demonstrating an elevated enhancement factor (~ 10^6) and excellent spatial reproducibility. These characteristics have permeated the application of these substrates, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, to the hyper-spectral imaging of the single cell membrane and detection of the single layer of PAH (polycyclic aromatic compounds) molecules. In particular, the red blood cells have been studied, which due to their simplicity with respect to other types of cells, are resulted in being particularly adapted for the testing of this type of technique. And thanks to essential decrease of the acquisition time and laser power, pyrene molecules resulted detectable.