Title: Engineering SERS-Active Surfaces Through Diverse Synthesis Routes for Selective Detection of Drugs Using Molecular Imprinting Technology
Research proposal No: 1.1.1.9/LZP/2/25/232
Duration: 01.01.2026.-31.12.2028.
Project Leader: Milda Petrulevičiene, Institute of Solid State Physics University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
Total budget: 183 297,60 EUR
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding: 155 802,96 EUR
State budget funding: 18 329,76 EUR
ISSP UL budget: 9 164,88 EUR
Project description:
The main aim of this project is to develop selective and sensitive SERS substrates for specific detection of pharmaceutical compounds in real samples.
Sensors based on SERS technology have huge opportunity because are capable of detecting trace amounts (even down to nanomolar/picomolar levels) of various analytes. In this project novel SERS substrates will be synthesized on various conductive (Cu2O, TiO2, ITO) and non-conductive (quartz, PDMS, paper) materials using both electrochemical and chemical deposition of Au and Ag nanoparticles (NPs).
To enhance selectivity, substrates will be functionalized with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), incorporating biopolymers and green synthesis methods using plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. This eco-friendly approach supports the fabrication of biocompatible, stable, and reproducible SERS-active surfaces. The prepared substrates will be explored for detecting pharmaceutical compounds in water, with a focus on trace-level analysis in wastewater.