SDS bubbles functionalized with Gold nanoparticles and SERS applications

We present a method of incorporation of gold nanoparticles in SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) bubbles with a low polydispersity index (monodispersed nanoparticles). Both the bubbles and nanoparticles maintained their structural and morphologic properties after functionalization. The bubbles present a radio of 0.38 mm with a standard deviation of±0.018 mm. The gold nanoparticles were obtained with sucrose as the catalytic agent and ascorbic acid as the reducing agent. The nanoparticles display several geometric morphologies as well as sizes inferior to 50 nm, as observed in the images obtained with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The optical properties were studied by optical absorption spectroscopy. The absorption band linked to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is located at 550 nm before and after the functionalization of the bubbles. Moreover, microscopic bubbles with a diameter smaller than 1 µm with the ability to stabilize nanoparticles in their surface were found in isolated regions of the sample. Additionally, the Surface Enhancement Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) properties of the colloid were analyzed with common drugs.