A dual-mode biosensor combining transition metal carbonyl-based SERS and a colorimetric readout for thiol detection†
Abstract
A fast SERS and colorimetric dual-modal assay for thiol detection was developed using an unsaturated triosmium carbonyl cluster, Os3(CO)10(μ-H)2, as a detection probe. The cluster undergoes a distinct color change in the presence of thiol and the SERS spectrum shows a shift in the CO stretching vibration, located in a silent region where there is no interference from biomolecules. Such assay offers high sensitivity with a detection limit up to 0.1 μM by SERS.