Abstract: An exemplary Raman-active nanoparticle can be provided, which can include, for example, a hydrophilic cyclopropenium cation, and one or more copolymers derived from a hydrophobic organic polymerizable molecule, where the hydrophobic organic polymerizable molecule can be a Raman-active molecule, and where the Ramain-active nanoparticle can be free of heavy metals. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the hydrophobic organic polymerizable molecule can be a styrenic derivative. The styrenic derivative can be an alkyne, a nitrile, or a deuterated styrene. The hydrophobic organic polymerizable molecule can be a methacrylate derivative.