DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/Z48C-ET91
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0003-1064-1760
Defense Date
2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Gregory E. Triplett
Second Advisor
Dr. Lane Carasik
Third Advisor
Dr. Dmitry Pestov
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Jessika Rojas
Fifth Advisor
Dr. Joao Soares
Abstract
This work centers on the development and the down-selection of nano-manufactured devices to be used in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy for probing a branched chain amino acid. The nano-manufactured devices integrate plasmonic nanoantennas for the purpose of amplifying molecular fingerprints, which are otherwise difficult to detect, through Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). Plasmonic nanostructures can be utilized for a variety of biomedical and biochemical applications to detect the characteristic fingerprint provided by Raman Spectroscopy. The nano-manufactured devices create an electric field that amplifies minute perturbations and raises the signal above background noise. This may provide a deeper understanding of signal transduction, which is a biochemical reaction, and its relationship with diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. This work utilized simulations and fabrication of several different plasmonic substrates to enhance Raman signaling for a dilute amino acid solution of L-valine. Additionally, this work sought to demonstrate the feasibility of enhancement extending beyond the surface of the plasmonic substrates tested. Chapter 1 provides an overview of signal transduction and the motivation behind the enhancement of dilute L-valine. Chapter 2 presents the different simulations performed in order to minimize fabrication optimization time, simulate theoretical enhancement factor, and explore its dependency on the nanoantenna geometry and distance from the surface of the substrate. Chapters 3 and 4 covers fabrication parameters and studies performed to enable fabrication optimization. Chapter 5 provides results from different 2 plasmonic substrates, including the bowtie nanoantenna plasmonic substrate, and reports the potential enhancement. To conclude, Chapter 6 summarizes the work and discusses future steps. Appendices A and B contain simulation and fabrication steps and parameters, respectively.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-12-2022
Included in
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Commons, Other Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons, Polymer and Organic Materials Commons, Semiconductor and Optical Materials Commons