Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Applications in Dye Analysis

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a transformative analytical approach for the ultrasensitive detection and characterisation of organic colorants in diverse matrices. By exploiting plasmonic nanostructures—typically noble metal nanoparticles or nanostructured substrates—SERS amplifies the inherently weak Raman scattering of dye molecules by several orders of magnitude, enabling the identification of trace components down to single-molecule levels. This sensitivity has unlocked new possibilities in cultural heritage conservation, where non- or minimally invasive interrogation of pigments safeguards irreplaceable works of art and archaeological textiles. In parallel, SERS methods have advanced quality control applications in foodstuffs, textiles and traditional medicines, delivering rapid, in situ screening of adulterants and contaminants. Technological innovations in substrate design—such as hybrid metal-oxide gels and transparent composite probes—have improved reproducibility, substrate–analyte affinity and ease of deployment under ambient conditions. Coupling SERS with micro-extraction techniques, multivariate data analysis and hyphenated workflows such as HPLC-MS/MS has further enhanced selectivity and provided orthogonal molecular information. Collectively, these developments underscore the global significance of SERS in tracing dye provenance, monitoring degradation pathways and ensuring product safety across scientific and industrial sectors.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the power of in situ SERS for unravelling the complex composition of cochineal-dyed archaeological textiles without destructive sampling. Spectral analysis of ancient wool fibres directly on site revealed distinct signatures of carminic acid alongside nucleobases such as adenine and guanine, elucidating the biomolecular constituents of the colourant. Investigations into aluminium’s role in metal-dye complexation showed enhanced adsorption of guanine residues on plasmonic surfaces, offering new insights into historic mordant practices. Complementary theoretical modelling of carminic acid–silver interactions clarified the adsorption geometry and electronic contributions underpinning signal enhancement. This integrated experimental–computational framework establishes a blueprint for detailed molecular characterisation of natural dyes in heritage objects.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Applications in Dye Analysis publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy applications in dye analysis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): A sensitive vibrational spectroscopy technique that amplifies Raman signals via plasmonic nanostructures to detect low-concentration analytes.

Plasmonic hotspot: A highly localised region of intensified electromagnetic field near metallic nanostructures that dramatically enhances Raman scattering of nearby molecules.

Hydrogel-supported extraction: A minimally invasive sample preparation method using cross-linked polymer gels to extract dyes from substrates while preserving the integrity of the original material.

HPLC-MS/MS: A hyphenated analytical workflow combining high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for separation and structural characterisation of dye molecules.

Matrix effects: Interferences in analytical measurements arising from co-existing substances in complex samples that can suppress or modify target analyte signals.

References

1. Analysis of biomolecules in cochineal dyed archaeological textiles by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Scientific Reports (2021).
2. Applying Gel-Supported Liquid Extraction to Tutankhamun’s Textiles for the Identification of Ancient Colorants: A Case Study. Gels (2023).
3. New Advances in Dye Analyses: In Situ Gel-Supported Liquid Extraction from Paint Layers and Textiles for SERS and HPLC-MS/MS Identification. Molecules (2023).
4. Rapid Indentification of Auramine O Dyeing Adulteration in Dendrobium officinale, Saffron and Curcuma by SERS Raman Spectroscopy Combined with SSA-BP Neural Networks Model. Foods (2023).
5. Fabrication of transparent composites for non-invasive Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) analysis of modern art works. Heritage Science (2019).
6. Assessment of silver-based calcium silicate hydrate as a novel SERS sensor. Applied Surface Science (2024).