| abstract |
Rapid surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) assays for ultratrace pathogen detection are provided. One-particle and two-particle sensor assays (e.g., biosensor assays) are provided. In one implementation, for example, an assay forms and concentrates a DNA hybridization complex incorporating paramagnetic particles and Raman active noble metal (e.g., gold, silver and/or copper) nanoparticles (two-particle sensor) or noble metal coated paramagnetic particles that provide both a SERS substrate and magnetic capture ability in a single sensor particle via a noble metal-coated paramagnetic particle, such as a gold-coated paramagnetic particle (one-particle sensor). |