Abstract: The present invention provides a generalized molecule-specific means of detection that can be applied to all existing separation systems with particular emphasis directed toward those methods based upon chromatographic, electrophoretic, and extractive techniques. The SERS method of detection of the present invention consists of the modification of SERS substrates by the application of a stabilizing coating that also reproduces or mimics the specific separation process being utilized. This ability to reproduce the specific separation process at the detector makes this method of detection universal for all types of analytes and separation methods. The detector of the present invention contains a noble metal foil, usually silver, that has been roughened to produce the SERS effect or a SERS active noble metal film that has been deposited onto a transparent substrate. A particularly unique feature of the invention is the use of stabilizing coatings with the SERS substrates.

Abstract: A process for indicator coating of SERS fiber-optic probes comprising selecting a potentially roughened probe which is enhanced with a deposited silver film and then treated by chemisorption on said probe to form a molecular-specific coating, such as by employing Eriochrome Black T for metal ions, octadecyl mercaptan for organics, or Cresol Red for pH.