The application of a SERS fiber probe for the investigation of sensitive biological samples

The applicability of an etched and silver or gold coated SERS fiber probe in combination with a commercially available laboratory micro-Raman setup or a home built mobile micro-Raman setup to perform on-site field measurements was evaluated and successfully tested on different biological samples. The SERS fiber probe allows one to perform measurements with high spatial resolution. Simultaneously, the laser power used for Raman spectroscopy on biological samples as compared with conventional Raman experiments can be reduced by more than two orders of magnitude. This experimental arrangement was tested to investigate sensitive biological samples like mint plants (Bergamot mint, spear mint) and citrus fruits (kumquat). Furthermore, traces of fungicides on wine leaves were detected by means of such a SERS fiber probe setup.