Robosynthesis: Automated, High‑Precision Fabrication of SE(R)RS Nanotags

Automated flow synthesis yields highly reproducible silica‑gold nanostar Raman nanotags, eliminating manual variability.

Abstract Text:

Batch‑to‑batch variability and labor‑intensive protocols remain major obstacles to the reliable manufacture of surface‑enhanced (resonance) Raman scattering (SE(R)RS) nanotags. In this talk, I will introduce an automated synthesis platform that overcomes these hurdles by fabricating silica‑coated gold nanostars (AuNS@SiO₂) pre‑loaded with two widely used Raman reporters, 4‑mercaptobenzoic acid (4‑MBA) and IR‑780.

The system employs computer‑controlled reagent delivery to regulate reduction, nanostar growth, and silica encapsulation, ensuring uniform morphology and optical response. UV–vis spectroscopy confirms tightly reproducible plasmon bands, while transmission electron microscopy reveals consistent core–spike geometry. Dynamic light scattering and zeta‑potential measurements verify colloidal stability after silica coating. Most importantly, SE(R)RS measurements show enhancement factors that are highly consistent across batches, demonstrating a level of reproducibility previously unattainable with manual methods.

Together, these results illustrate how precise reagent metering and workflow automation dramatically reduce hands‑on time while delivering high‑quality, application‑ready Raman nanotags. The platform establishes a blueprint for rapid, reproducible nanotag production and can be readily adapted to other reporter molecules, excitation windows, and surface chemistries, paving the way for robust, multiplexed diagnostics in biomedical settings.