To address this limitation, functionalization of the SERS substrate was undertaken using cyclodextrin. Cyclodextrins are cup shaped macromolecules with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic outer rim. For this reason, they have been used extensively to increase dissolution of drugs or other compounds having hydrophobic properties . They were also shown to form host-guest complexes with pesticides such as MCPA . In the present work, γcyclodextrin with internal dimensions of 0.78nm (diameter) by 0.79nm (height) was used to modify the electrodes. By coating the sensors with this molecule, it should be possible to bring the target analyte to the surface and allow its detection using Raman based techniques. Functionalization of the developed SERS substrates was undertaken by incubation for 10 minutes in thiol γ-cyclodextrin solution in DMSO followed by thorough rinsing with pure DMSO. The decrease in the electron transfer resistance of the Ag nanodendrite/Pt is due to higher surface area. However, the Rct value increases significantly as γ-cyclodextrin is attached on the surface, showing its electrical isolating properties. Similar insulating properties were reported for cyclodextrins. This further suggested that the microelectrode modification for MCPA detection was successful. To confirm this, SERS spectra were recorded in DI water in both the presence and absence of MCPA. A typical spectrum of the functionalized substrates in DI water is shown in figure bottom panel. The spectrum shows peaks at 446, 487/498, 673, 720, 933, 1026 and 1264 cm -1 onwards. The two peaks at 636 cm -1 and 680 cm -1 can be attributed to CS bond of the thiolated cyclodextrin. The rest of the spectrum shows a series of broad peaks between 1100 and 1700 cm -1 that correspond to the various CC and CH vibration of γ-cyclodextrin scaffold.