PVP-capped silver nanoparticles for efficient SERS detection of adenine based on the stabilizing and enrichment roles of PVP

A polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped (PVP-capped) strategy is reported to synthesize Ag NPs on silicon wafers via galvanic replacement reaction for SERS detection of adenine, where PVP acts as stabilizing agent in synthesis and efficient enrichment in detection. The morphologies of Ag NPs are optimized with uniform particle size by adjusting synthesis conditions, which hold excellent SERS performances like a high enhancement factor of 1.42 × 10⁶, good uniform, reproducibility, and transferable nature. With the protection of the capped PVP, the Ag NPs keep excellent SERS properties even against harsh conditions of high temperature (100 ℃) and strong acid and base for 24 h. Utilizing the structural feature of PVP with abundant carbonyl groups, the PVP-capped Ag NPs achieve efficient enrichment of adenine through hydrogen bonding and π-interactions, which is analyzed by density functional theory. Quantitative detection of adenine is performed with a wide linear range from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁸ M and a low limit of detection of 1 nM. Detection of adenine in human urine samples is achieved with a recovery of 99.1–103.4% and an RSD of less than 5%. Graphical