A new class of SERS nanoprobes is reported, where analyte‐tagged metal nanoparticles are encapsulated with block copolymers to provide core–shell structures that are stable against salt and oxidant. The facile and scalable synthesis gives large quantities of nanoprobes that are readily purified. Nearly all nanoparticles are singly encapsulated, allowing unambiguous estimate of enhancement factors free of SERS “hot‐spots”. Multiplexing capability is demonstrated.

The cover page shows the use of polymer‐coated metal nanoparticles as multiplexed nanoprobes based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering. Upon laser excitation, the nanoparticles of different synthetic origin emit characteristic Raman fingerprints, as reported by Hongyu Chen and co‐workers . The Au/Ag nanoparticles are surface functionalized with a layer of reporter molecules and then encapsulated by polystyrene‐block‐poly(acrylic acid). The polymer shell maintains the stability of the nanoprobes in adverse conditions while presenting identical surface groups. The nanoparticles' facile and reproducible synthesis shows potential for labeling applications.

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