pH‐Responsive DNA‐Functionalized Liquid Metal–Organic Frameworks (L‐MOFs) as Molecular Sponges for Ultrasensitive and Label‐Free SERS Detection of Folic Acid

Although "hotspots" have been utilized to enhance Raman signals for detecting various biomolecules, precisely regulating "hotspot" dimensions within enhancement substrates remains a significant challenge. This study introduces a novel, easily fabricated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensor, T6(OH⁻)/Ag@CC. This platform employs single-stranded DNA of adjustable lengths to mediate the self-assembly of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), resulting in a uniformly enhanced substrate with a spatially organized metal-organic frameworks architecture. The DNA-mediated self-assembly exhibits pH-responsive characteristics, enabling precise control over "hotspot" distribution. Comprehensive characterization and Raman enhancement experiments demonstrate that optimal self-assembly and signal amplification are achieved under alkaline conditions. The sensor demonstrates excellent reproducibility and sensitivity, enabling the label-free detection of folic acid with a detection limit as low as 0.1 ng mL-1. Validation using real-world food and biological samples highlights its ability to accurately detect and identify folic acid fingerprints in spinach, chicken liver, and various human biological fluids, including breast milk, serum, erythrocytes, and urine. The analysis of characteristic peak intensities underscores the potential of this method as a versatile and unified approach for folic acid detection across diverse sample matrices.