Development of a simple method for sensing melamine by SERS effect of Ag particles

A simple and inexpensive procedure for melamine sensing based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of Ag particles was developed. The controllable shape of Ag particles was performed using co-precipitate at room temperature without surfactant. SERS signals were obtained due to the melamine were directly adsorbed on Ag particles without substrate. The enhancement factor of SERS effect depended on the architectural form of Ag particles. Among the three types of Ag nanostructures, the raspberry-like Ag sample displayed the strongest signal. The proposed probe exhibits great potential for melamine detecting and good reproducibility (the relative standard deviation (RSD) =3.7%).