Simultaneous SERS Detection of Multiple Amino Acids Using ZIF-8@AuNPs as Substrate: Classified with 1D Convolutional Neural Network

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In this manuscript, a metal-organic framework, specifically ZIF-8, embedded with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), was synthesized and employed as the substrate for SERS. Furthermore, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN) was utilized to distinguish three different amid acids in the SERS spectra of the mixed analytes. This method aids in the discrimination of the desired analyte from others. However, the Introduction may inadvertently convey the misconception that SERS is incapable of conducting multiplexed detection. For instance, it states, "Conventional surface-enhanced Raman substrates are typically designed to adsorb only one type of substrate. Typically, the substrate surface contains only one adsorption moiety." in lines 59-61. While SERS substrates for labeled detection are indeed designed for measuring only one type of analyte, conventional SERS substrates can facilitate multiplexed detection through the sharp peaks of each vibrational mode. Hence, it is advisable to highlight other advantages of this SERS substrate (such as reduced photothermal conversion via the chemical mechanism, etc.). Regrettably, I cannot recommend the publication of this manuscript until the aforementioned and subsequent comments are addressed.

The concentrations of Val, Cys, and Trp in the mixed samples, which were used for the SERS measurements shown in Figs. 7 and S4, should be included in the table in the main text or Supporting Information.

Fig. S4 should be incorporated into the main text rather than Fig. 4, as these spectra demonstrate the capability of multiplexed detection.

 

[Minor comments]

Line 53: The term "detection efficiency" could be misleading; "sensitivity" may be more appropriate.

Lines 186-187: To confirm the increase in the diameter of ZIF-8@AuNPs, an SEM image with the same magnification as Fig. 1(a) should be provided.

Fig. 5: The sizes of AuNPs and ZIF-8 corresponding to each spectrum should be indicated.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The work is complete and interesting. Additional minor revisions are requested.
1. In the introduction, could the author explain why they chose Au NPs as the substrate for this experiment and why it is more important than other SERS substrates?
2. Can all amino acids be detected equally using SERS substrates with varying Au NPS sizes?
3. Why did the author use amino acids in this study? Please state the practical implications.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Manuscript applsci-2893023 submitted for consideration at Appl. Sci. 2024, constitutes an excellent example of how fundamental research can be translated into highly useful applied research. The work focuses on the feasibility of simultaneously detecting the quantitative presence of up to three specific amino acids on a ZIF 21 -8@AuNPs composite substrate, using Surface-enhanced 18 Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The study is very well planned and its results are presented and discussed very exhaustively, with adequate illustration by the figures. So they allow us to write very clear Conclusions.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have addressed my comments and revised the manuscript.