(591b) Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Biosensors

The development and characterization of colloidal-based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) bioassays for portable diagnostics will be presented.  DNA, antigen and antibody detection systems have been developed using paramagnetic capture assay schemes. Recent development of gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles provides an alternative, single nanoparticle assay scheme.  The nanoparticles function as SERS substrates while simultaneously providing a separation / concentration mechanism.  Considerations of the advantages of using colloidal systems over surface-based systems for biological assays will be discussed.  Using the DNA derived from the Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) and West Nile Virus (WNV) RNA genome as the model targets, multiplex SERS detection were designed and demonstrated.   Additionally, multiplexed assays for antibodies and antigens to both target viruses were also demonstrated.