The Polymer Society of Korea

박선우 (부산대학교)

오진우 (부산대학교)

Nanogap size plays a key role in enhancing SERS signals. Narrow gaps (1–10 nm) between metal nanostructures amplify electromagnetic fields via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Polymers help stabilize nanoparticles and improve reproducibility, though some may interfere through Raman signals or nonspecific interactions. We used M13 bacteriophage (~880 nm long, 6.6 nm wide) as a functional polymeric material. Genetic modification of its major coat protein p8 enabled display of gold-binding peptides for specific interaction with Au surfaces. By tuning the ratio of M13 phage to gold nanoparticles, we controlled nanogap sizes and achieved enhanced SERS performance. Among 20 peptide variants, those with high gold affinity showed superior signal enhancement. This strategy enables highly sensitive and selective SERS-based biosensing, offering a promising platform for future research on polymer–nanomaterial hybrids.