Wavelength selective sers nanotags

Abstract

Wavelength selective particles such as SERS nanotags modified for wavelength selectivity. As used herein, a wavelength selective particle is one which cannot be effectively excited or interrogated at one or more wavelengths where a reporter molecule associated with the particle would normally produce a spectrum. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing wavelength selective particles and methods of tagging materials or objects with wavelength selective particles.

1 . A wavelength selective SERS nanotag comprising:
 a SERS enhancing core;   a SERS active reporter molecule associated with the core;   an encapsulant encapsulating the core and reporter association; and   a blocking material associated with the encapsulant that wholly or partially blocks the passage of light energy at a selected wavelength to the reporter molecule, or wholly or partially blocks the radiation of light energy at a selected wavelength from the reporter molecule.   
     
     
         2 . The wavelength selective SERS nanotag of  claim 1  wherein the blocking material comprises a nanorod associated with the encapsulant. 
     
     
         3 . The wavelength selective SERS nanotag of  claim 2  wherein the nanorod is an Au nanorod. 
     
     
         4 . The wavelength selective SERS nanotag of  claim 2  wherein the nanorod is electrostaticly associated with the encapsulant. 
     
     
         5 . The wavelength selective SERS nanotag of  claim 4  further comprising a charged polymer associated with the nanorod; and
 an oppositely charged polymer associated with the SERS nanotag. 
 
     
     
         6 . The wavelength selective SERS nanotag of  claim 1  wherein the blocking material is a dye. 
     
     
         7 . The wavelength selective SERS nanotag of  claim 6  wherein the encapsulant comprises a mesoporous surface. 
     
     
         8 . The wavelength selective SERS nanotag of  claim 6  wherein the blocking material is a fluorescent dye. 
     
     
         9 . A wavelength selective SERS nanotag comprising:
 a SERS enhancing core;   a SERS active reporter molecule associated with the core;   an encapsulant encapsulating the core and reporter association; and   a masking material associated with the encapsulant that wholly or partially masks light energy radiated at a selected wavelength from the reporter molecule.   
     
     
         10 . A method of manufacturing a wavelength selective SERS nanotag comprising:
 providing a SERS enhancing core;   associating a SERS active reporter molecule with the core;   encapsulating the core and reporter association with an encapsulant; and   associating a blocking material with the encapsulant that wholly or partially blocks the passage of light energy at a selected wavelength to the reporter molecule, or wholly or partially blocks the passage of light energy at a selected wavelength radiated from the reporter molecule.   
     
     
         11 . A method of manufacturing a wavelength selective SERS nanotag comprising:
 providing a SERS enhancing core;   associating a SERS active reporter molecule with the core;   encapsulating the core and reporter association with an encapsulant; and   associating a masking material with the encapsulant that wholly or partially masks light energy radiated at a selected wavelength from the reporter molecule.