Raman Spectroscopy Research Group
Team leader: prof. dr hab. Andrzej Kudelski
Team leader’s e-mail address: akudel@chem.uw.edu.pl
Brief description of the research topic:
The research group is mainly engaged in the development of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We develop various types of analytical SERS sensors (including those for medical applications) and various plasmonic nanomaterials that can be used as effective substrates for generating SERS spectra. Individual members of the group specialize in the following topics:
Dr hab. Jan Krajczewski: synthesis of novel SERS platforms based on bi- and multicomponent materials. The primary component consists of plasmonic nanostructures, while the incorporation of a secondary material aims to enhance properties such as durability, uniformity, and chemical stability. Surface modification of materials such as TiO₂, ZrO₂, or InP with plasmonic nanostructures leads to the fabrication of highly uniform and reproducible SERS substrates with high activity, enabling the detection of even trace amounts of organic compounds.
Dr Agata Królikowska: application of the SERS technique in the creation of new sensors and the synthesis of new substrates for SERS measurements. The research of dr. Królikowska covers three areas: (i) materials science – involving the synthesis and characterization of plasmonic nanostructures and magneto-plasmonic nanocomposites, (ii) physicochemical studies – related to the interaction between various molecules and plasmonic substrates as well as the sensor response mechanism, and (iii) analytical applications – focused on the detection and quantitative determination of analytes (e.g., water or food contaminants, biologically relevant compouns) and the characterization of SERS sensor performance parameters (response range, LOD, selectivity, etc.).
Dr Beata Wrzosek: the dependence of SERS spectra on the type and strength of the interaction of the metal with the molecules of selected compounds adsorbed on it and the factors influencing the enhancement of SERS and GERS (graphene-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) spectra are investigated. In the case of SERS spectra, the contribution of the individual enhancement mechanisms, the universality of the applicability of surface selection rules and the role of the structure of the SERS substrates are analysed. In the case of GERS spectra, the influence of the charge transfer effect between metal and graphene on substrates containing defined areas with the disparate enhancing properties of the Raman spectrum is tested.
Dr Aleksandra Szaniawska: development of a technique for measuring pH inside various cell organelles using SERS. The basis of this project is the production of stable nanosensors consisting of plasmonic nanoparticles, pH-sensitive molecules (e.g. mercaptopyridine or mercaptobenzoic acid) and peptides directing probes to a specific cell site. The following techniques are used as reference: confocal fluorescence (for pH measurements using fluorescent probes) and electron microscopy (for sensor localization).