SERS performance of graphene /silver nanocomposites in biomedicine

Aim and Background: Raman spectroscopy is an important method for identifying molecules and determining the chemical and structural properties of various materials. Methods:Despite the advanced use of intelligent substrates in laboratory research, the development of a simple, flexible, and cost-effective substrate remains vital for enhancing the application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in practical analysis. Results and discussion:Graphene-based nanomaterials sparked remarkable interest in the scientific arena. The unique structure of graphene, not only marked its niche in the field of electronics (and energy storages devices, but also created a stir in sensing field with incorporation of plasmonic silver nanoparticles. The various shapes and sizes of silver nanoparticles decorated on the graphene-based nanomaterials have an ability to create an atomically smooth layer through an intimate contact with graphene. The contribution of both distinct structures is understood to represent the mechanistic aspects of graphene/silver nanocomposites for improving electrochemical sensing and SERS signals. The excellent electronic, optical and adsorption properties, as well as the large specific surface area are mainly responsible for the enhanced performance of graphene/silver nanocomposites. SERS activity extraordinarily shows up to 1011-fold increase in peak intensity with a shift in wavenumber. The electrochemical sensing performance has also shown a distinct difference in increased current response, shift in peak potential, and stable response time with graphene/silver nanocomposites, making them favorable electron mediators for various chemical analytes. Conclusion:Although numerous carbon substrates are also excelling in this field, graphene/silver nanocomposites represent a promising class of biocompatible materials that can revolutionize the field of biomedicine.