Multi-color raman nanotags for tumor cell biomarker detection

We report the synthesis and characterization of multi-color gold nanoparticle based tags (Raman nanotags) for molecular imaging. The multi-color Raman nanotags are PEGylated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) encapsulating a Raman reporter dyes which can be functionalized with any ligand of interest for targeted molecular imaging. The Raman nanotags synthesized with 65 nm gold nanoparticles exhibit the largest surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal. Results are presented quantify the measured SERS signal, dynamic range, reproducibility, and stability of Raman nanotags. In vitro cell culture experiments for targeted biomarker detection using functionalized Raman nanotags are also presented.