A dual-mode colorimetric and SERS detection of hydrogen sulfide in live prostate cancer cells using a silver nanoplate-coated paper assay

•We introduce a colorimetric and SERS sensor for the dual-mode detection of H2S.•A simple and facile H2S assay was prepared by dropping of Ag nanoplate solution on paper.•We utilized the parameter b of CIE L*a*b color model for the quantitative color analysis.•The analytical performance of H2S sensing paper for dual-mode detection was evaluated.•This paper assay can detect endogenous H2S in live LNCaP cells under shorter incubation times.