Noble metal nanostructure both as a SERS nanotag and an analyte probe.

We report nanotags encapsulated in Au-Ag nanostructure that are active in surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The Au-Ag nanoshells are filled with Ag via citrate reduction, entrapping label molecules in the process. The nanotags can be used for quantitative SERS measurements with the label molecules as internal reference.