Scientists Apply Raman Spectroscopy to COVID-19 Testing

One of the most challenging aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the lack of testing needed to detect and trace infections. Many tests use biochemicals that can be expensive and difficult to produce. These tests can require long turnaround times for test results and can produce a high number of false negative results. A Northern Arizona University (NAU) research team, led by professor Miguel José Yacamán, is developing a new test technology for SARS-CoV-2 using single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SM-SERS). The researchers are applying concepts from the fields of nanotechnology, plasmonics, and 2D materials to their development process. “The project team will use nontraditional techniques to...