Phularida Amulraj, a research scholar from Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering and Sciences, working under the guidance of Dr Rajapandiyan J P, Assistant Professor, Department of Centre for Inter Disciplinary Research, Chemistry, recently participated in the prestigious Japan Science and Technology – Sakura Science Program (JST-SSP) held at Shimane University, Japan, gaining valuable international exposure and contributing to advancements in analytical science.
The research focuses on Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), an emerging and highly sensitive analytical technique used to detect trace amounts of substances. With its rapid analysis, specificity, and ease of operation, SERS has significant applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
Speaking about the work, the researcher noted that “SERS holds immense promise for detecting contaminants at extremely low concentrations, but real-world applications remain challenging due to matrix interference, complex sample conditions, and reproducibility issues.”
To address these challenges, the study emphasises the development of efficient SERS substrates and improved sample preparation techniques. Innovative approaches using materials such as filter paper, cylindrical copper rods, and aluminum plates have been explored to enhance detection sensitivity and reliability.
The research aims to enable accurate identification of harmful substances including microplastics, pathogenic bacteria, antibiotics, and dyes in complex samples such as sea salt, soil, lake water, and food products. “Our goal is to make SERS a dependable tool for real-world analysis, ensuring precise detection even in highly complex environments,” the researcher added.
The outcomes of this research have wide-ranging implications. For industry and regulatory bodies, it offers improved methods for quality control, environmental monitoring, and public health protection. For the scientific community, it provides a robust framework to advance research in environmental and biological sensing.
During the Sakura Science Program, the researcher engaged with advanced laboratory facilities and participated in discussions on collaborative projects with international experts, including Dr. Hemanth Noothalapati of Shimane University, Dr Murali Krishna C. of Tata Memorial Centre, and Dr Soma Venugopal of the University of Hyderabad. These interactions are expected to strengthen future research collaborations.
Reflecting on the experience, the researcher stated, “The program not only enhanced our technical knowledge but also opened avenues for global collaboration and deeper understanding of interdisciplinary research.”
Looking ahead, the research will focus on developing novel SERS substrates for efficient detection of environmental pollutants and pathogenic bacteria in real-world samples, contributing to safer ecosystems and improved public health outcomes.
The participation in this international program underscores the growing global engagement of researchers and their commitment to addressing pressing environmental and health challenges through innovation and collaboration.
