Bimetallic Core–Shell Nanoparticles of Gold and Silver via Bioinspired Polydopamine Layer as Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Platform

Despite numerous attempts to fabricate the core–shell nanoparticles, novel, simple, and low-cost approaches are still required to produce these efficient nanosystems. In this study, we propose the synthesis of bimetallic core–shell nanoparticles of gold (AuNP) and silver (AgNP) nanostructures via a bioinspired polydopamine (PDOP) layer and their employment as a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) platform. Herein, the PDOP layer was used as an interface between nanostructures as well as stabilizing and reducing agents for the deposition of silver ions onto the AuNPs. UV-vis absorption spectra and electron microscope images confirmed the deposition of the silver ions and the formation of core–shell nanoparticles. SERS activity tests indicated that both the PDOP thickness and silver deposition time are the dominant parameters that determine the SERS performances of the proposed core–shell system. In comparison to bare AuNPs, more than three times higher SERS signal intensity was obtained with an enhancement factor of 3.5 × 105.