Composite Polymer Colloids for SERS ‐based Applications

Abstract Polymers and nanoparticles can be combined into different materials with applications in various fields like catalysis, biotechnology, or drug delivery, to cite just a few. Colloidal composites may vary significantly, ranging from a single nanoparticle stabilized by a polymer shell through a polymeric carrier decorated with hundreds of particles. We review here composite colloids comprising gold nanoparticles, with an emphasis in systems with potential application in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The focus is on selected strategies for synthesis and functionalization, such as: encapsulation of gold nanoparticles by amphiphilic polymers, polymeric matrices as nanoparticle carriers and smart polymer based composites. We stress the benefits derived from the combination of polymers and metal particles toward SERS, such as chemical and colloidal stabilization in complex environments, and collective optical effects through hot spot generation for optimized SERS enhancement or improved imaging tags. We review recent progress on the synthesis of gold/polymer composite colloids. The focus lies on composites derived from hydrophobic interactions and those containing smart polymers. Synthesis strategies are discussed and the main features and advantages derived from the combination of polymers and gold nanoparticles are discussed, with a special emphasis towards applications based on SERS.
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research