A Raman Spectroscopy System for (Bio)Chemical Analyses and Materials Characterization

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Raman spectroscopy is an analytical method that enables time-efficient and ultrasensitive physicochemical characterization of chemical and biological samples. It can combine the benefits of highly sensitive, albeit centralized and complex, equipment with the user-friendliness of portable but less sensitive units. One mode of Raman spectroscopy, "Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering" (SERS), is an especially powerful technique that can produce up to a 10^14-fold signal enhancement, thus reaching single-molecule detection capabilities. The research labs of Docoslis and co-applicants rely heavily on the use of Raman spectroscopy in their efforts to create innovative products, make discoveries, train highly qualified personnel (HQP), and lead multiple collaborations with industry and government. Numerous research programs pioneered by our groups are presently in jeopardy because of our failing Raman spectroscopy equipment, which urgently needs replacement. The work of at least 16 HQPs, 5 ongoing research projects and 4 established collaborations with government and industry are threatened to be "in irons" by a Raman spectroscopy system that is 16 years old, well past its service life (> 20,000 hours of use), and not upgradeable due to its poor condition. The frequent breakdowns of that system (over 4 months of downtime in 2022 alone) have already taken a toll on our research productivity. Even when operational, the system underperforms, as it has lost most of the functions that we rely on for properly performing our work. The new Raman system will support at least six research labs at Queen's University, serving as the mainstay for existing and future cross-disciplinary collaborations with government/industry and other academic researchers within and outside Queen's. Four existing research Programs presently rely on that system. Program 1 uses SERS to develop methods for rapid detection and identification of illicit drugs. These methods will be used for harm reduction in people who use drugs, or by Law enforcement agencies and Correctional Services of Canada to fight drug-related crime. Program 2 aims to develop SERS-based techniques for early identification of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thereby saving human lives by guiding the correct prescription of antibiotics against infections. Program 3 aims to develop Raman-based methods for on-site monitoring of Chemicals of Emerging Concern in the environment and protect people from being accidentally exposed to them. Finally, Program 4 uses Raman spectroscopy for studying and characterizing graphene-based products, to guide us in the development of innovative and scalable processes for their production. It will also assist in the creation of novel graphene-polymer composites for durable coatings, smart materials, and flexible electronics. We expect that, over the next 5 years, approximately 42 HQP within our groups and many external users will be trained in the use of this new Raman Spectroscopy system.