A simple enzyme-free SERS sensor for the rapid and sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide in food

Abstract

A simple enzyme-free method based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was developed for the first time to detect H₂O₂ in food by etching a self-assembled film of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on a glass substrate. H₂O₂ is able to oxidize Ag NPs to yield Ag⁺ ions; this process reduces the size of the Ag NPs and ultimately leads to a decrease in the SERS signal of the Raman probe. The intensities of the SERS spectra were strongly correlated with H₂O₂ concentration, which indicated that the Ag NP self-assembled SERS sensor can be successfully used for the quantitative analysis of H₂O₂. The main advantage of this SERS sensor is that it can directly detect H₂O₂ without introducing complex enzymatic reactions. This easy-to-operate and fast-response detection technology has great potential for the sensitive detection of H₂O₂ in food.