A highly sensitive SERS-based platform for Zn(ii) detection in cellular media

We report a highly sensitive and selective surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based detection of aqueous Zn(ii) ions (limit of detection 10-14 M). Spectral changes for a silver nanoparticle-bound Raman reporter upon Zn(ii) chelation constitutes the assay, which is applied to drinking water and to measurements of cellular uptake of Zn(ii).