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Abstract
This study aimed to develop a jellylike flexible substrate based on nanocellulose
decorated with Ag nanoparticles (Ag/NC substrate) and explore its applications for
rapid in-situ pesticide detections in fruits and vegetables by surface-enhanced Raman
spectroscopy (SERS). The performances of Ag/NC substrate were characterized by rhodamine
6G (R6G). The limit of detection recorded by a portable Raman spectrometer is 10-8
M. The substrate still exhibited satisfactory sensitivity after 60-day preservation.
Jellylike and slightly sticky Ag/NC substrate demonstrated good adaptabilities in
attaching to sample surfaces and is suitable for in-situ SERS detection. Two types
of pesticides on apple peels and cabbages were detected by rapid in-situ and non-invasive
SERS method coupled with Ag/NC substrate. The lowest detectable level was 0.5 ng/cm2
for thiram and 5 ng/cm2 for thiabendazole, which were well below the maximum residue
levels. These results demonstrate that Ag/NC substrate is sensitive for rapid in-situ
multi-pesticide detection in food.