Green Synthesis of paper-based flexible SERS substrate for biomedical applications

Over the last few decades, the green or biological synthesis of nanoparticles has gained significant recognition across the globe, largely due to its cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, and environmentally friendly characteristics. One promising application of this approach is the production of paper-based silver nanostructures, which can be employed as effective substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). These substrates offer a high signal-to-noise ratio and remarkable uniformity, making them valuable tools in various analytical applications. In this study, a paper-based, flexible silver nanostructure surface was successfully fabricated using a single-step, in-situ, and green approach. The Satureja hortensis L. plant extract served as both the reducing and capping agent, enabling the formation of silver nanoparticles directly on the paper substrate. The results demonstrated that the silver nanoparticles formed on the SERS substrate were uniformly distributed. To evaluate the SERS activity of the fabricated substrate, rhodamine 6G, a commonly used dye in SERS studies, was applied. The substrate exhibited excellent repeatability and reproducibility, with variation in measurements being less than 10%. This level of consistency highlights the substrate's potential for providing not only significant signal enhancement but also uniform spectra across different measurements. The high performance and reliability of the fabricated SERS substrate suggest that it holds great promise for a wide range of applications, particularly in the biomedical field. Potential uses include the identification of pathogens and the detection of diseases, where accurate and sensitive detection methods are critical. As such, this paper-based SERS substrate could play a pivotal role in advancing diagnostic techniques and improving healthcare outcomes