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 1.05×1011, 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. [Display omitted] •A piezoelectric-enhanced ZnO/Ag NPs microcavity SERS substrate is proposed.•The detection limit for R6G has been achieved at 5×10−13 M, with an EF of 1.05×1011.•This substrate is capable of detecting dopamine at concentrations as low as 10−13 M.