A Facile approach for growing Ag nano-dendrites employing towards E.coli cells monitoring using SERS: a proof-of-concept study

      This study demonstrates a simple and cost-effective method of synthesizing silver (Ag) nano-dendrites for monitoring E. coli cells using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The process employs a one-step metal-assisted growth (MAG) technique to generate highly branched Ag dendrites on silicon substrates. These structures are characterized by their large surface area and numerous plasmon-active "hotspots" that enhance local electromagnetic fields, significantly improving SERS sensitivity. The study investigates the morphology, crystallinity, and optical properties of the dendrites and showcases their practical application in detecting E. coli bacteria. The findings suggest Ag dendritic nanostructures as highly efficient substrates for biosensing applications, making them promising candidates for environmental monitoring, food safety, and medical diagnostics. The work also explores the interaction between the Ag dendrites and bacterial cells, paving the way for further advancements in SERS-based bacterial detection.