Piezoelectric-enhanced ultrasensitive ZnO/Ag microcavity SERS substrate for dopamine detection

In the complex human body fluids, neurotransmitters such as dopamine (DA) play a significant role in regulating physiological functions, thereby impacting the normal functioning of biological activities. Hence, employing a rapid and non-destructive analytical technique for precise measurement of these molecules is crucial. Here, a novel piezoelectric-enhanced ZnO/Ag microcavity SERS substrate was designed, enabling ultra-sensitive and instantaneous detection of DA molecules. This substrate achieves exceptional trace detection performance, with a detection limit for Rhodamine 6 G (R6G) molecules as low as 5×10 −13 M and a EF of 1.05×10 11 , DA can be accurately identified even at exceedingly low concentrations, demonstrating outstanding capabilities in trace detection. This innovative structure not only represents a breakthrough in the rapid trace detection of neurotransmitters but also introduces new avenues for research and diagnostics in fields such as precision medicine, neuroscience , and pharmaceutical development.