RG 2177/1: Inline Characterization of Reactions in Microfluidic Systems Using SERS (SP 03)

The application of SERS in microfluidic structures enables the sensitive detection of reacting species. Therefore, it is, in principle, possible to monitor chemical reactions in situ. Apart from the identification and quantification of reactants, SERS sensors enable the precise characterization of micro-environments (e.g., regarding pH or temperature). In the proposed project, we will develop SERS in order to attain in-line monitoring and control of chemical reactions. To achieve this goal, we will generate and exploit multifunctional nanostructures that, apart from serving as SERS substrate, can also influence the course of chemical reactions due to their plasmonic properties, resulting in photocatalytic activities and photothermal effects that can be used to control temperature very locally. The new methodological concepts will be applied to two types of reaction, (i) the characterization of a known plasmon-supported reaction and (ii), monitoring the decomposition of artesunate, an anti-malarial / anti-tumoral compound. To vary the chemical composition of reaction mixtures at the microscale and to monitor and image them over time by SERS is only possible in a microfluidic system. Apart from sensitive detection, SERS enables in-line structural characterization of the reacting molecules. In addition to this methodological innovation, the project will generate new basic insights into plasmon- and nanostructure supported reactions.