Effect of cationic polyacrylamides on the aggregation and SERS performance of gold nanoparticles-treated paper

► Effect of cationic polyacrylamides on aggregation of gold nanoparticles was studied. ► Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering enhancement factor of AuNPs paper was optimized. ► Cationic polyacrylamides with higher bridging produced higher aggregation of AuNPs.