Detection of carbendazim with SA-AgNPs-CD functionalized silver nanoparticles as substrates based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering

A novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate was developed to determination of the pesticide carbendazim (CBZ) through the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SA-AgNPs-CD) using sodium alginate as a reducing agent and α-cyclodextrin as a molecular recognition stabilizer. The composite material was systematically characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of approximately 59 nm and localized surface plasmon resonance at 412 nm. 4-aminothiophenol (PATP) was used as a SERS probe to discuss the SERS activity of the substrate and multivariate optimization of detection parameters (substrate–analyte ratio 3:1, pH 6.8, 15 min adsorption, and sequential reagent addition) via orthogonal experimental design. The linear response which extends from 5.0 × 10 −5 to 1.0 × 10 −7  mol/L for CBZ combined with principal component analysis (PCA) revealed an ideal linear relationship between CBZ concentration and principal component F 1 , achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.95 × 10 −9  mol/L. It is expected that this SERS strategy will provide great value for rapid detecting pesticide residues in fruits and food products.