Protocol for designing AuNP-capped Ag dendrites as surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors for trace molecular detection

Summary: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a label-free, non-destructive technique for rapid identification of molecules with the interest of public safety and forensics. In the current work, we present a detailed protocol for designing a SERS-active substrate comprising Au-nanoparticles-decorated Ag nano-dendrites for the trace detection of explosives, biomolecules, dye, and pesticides. We elaborate the procedure for studying near-field enhancements in plasmonic structures. This protocol also addresses some of the challenges faced in SERS experiments and the potential solutions to overcome them.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Vendamani et al. (2022).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.