Fluorescence dye as novel label molecule for quantitative SERS investigations of an antibiotic

Within this contribution, the proof-of-principle for a new concept for indirect surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection is presented. The fluorescence dye FR-530 is applied as a label molecule for the antibiotic erythromycin. The antibiotic binds directly to the label molecule. Changes within the SERS spectrum of the fluorescence dye appearing with the presence of the antibiotic are utilized for the detection and quantitative investigations of erythromycin. With the new concept of binding the label molecule directly to the analyte molecule, the application of linkage compounds like antibodies or any other recognition molecules becomes dispensable.