1
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Wang M, Xia S, Jiang C, He S, Xia J, Wang Z, Yuan X, Liu L, Chen J. Aggregation Inducing Reversible Conformational Isomerization of Surface Staple in Au 18SR 14 Nanoclusters. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311895. [PMID: 38660823 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The conformation of molecules and materials is crucial in determining their properties and applications. Here, this work explores the reversible transformation between two distinct conformational isomers in metal nanoclusters. This work demonstrates the successful manipulation of a controllable and reversible isomerization of Au18SR14 within an aqueous solution through two distinct methods: ethanol addition and pH adjustment. The initial driver is the alteration of the solution environment, leading to the aggregation of Au18SR14 protected by ligands with smaller steric hindrance. At the atomic level, the folding mode of the unique Au4SR5 staple underpins the observed structural transformation. The reversal of staple conformation leads to color shifting between green and orange-red, and tailors a second emission peak at 725 nm originating from charge transfer from the thiolate to the Au9 core. This work not only deepens the understanding of the surface structure and dual-emission of metal nanoparticles, but also enhances the comprehension of their isomerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong Sino-Japanese Center for Collaborative Research of Carbon Nanomaterials, Instrumental Analysis Center of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Shan Xia
- Department of Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Pukou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Chengjia Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong Sino-Japanese Center for Collaborative Research of Carbon Nanomaterials, Instrumental Analysis Center of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Shuyi He
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong Sino-Japanese Center for Collaborative Research of Carbon Nanomaterials, Instrumental Analysis Center of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Jianfei Xia
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong Sino-Japanese Center for Collaborative Research of Carbon Nanomaterials, Instrumental Analysis Center of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
- Qingdao Boting Hydrogen Age Ocean Technol R&D Ctr, Qingdao Boting Technol Co Ltd, Shandong Hydrogen Times Marine Technology Co Ltd, Qingdao, 266100, P. R. China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong Sino-Japanese Center for Collaborative Research of Carbon Nanomaterials, Instrumental Analysis Center of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Xun Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Liren Liu
- Department of Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Pukou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Jishi Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong Sino-Japanese Center for Collaborative Research of Carbon Nanomaterials, Instrumental Analysis Center of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
- Qingdao Boting Hydrogen Age Ocean Technol R&D Ctr, Qingdao Boting Technol Co Ltd, Shandong Hydrogen Times Marine Technology Co Ltd, Qingdao, 266100, P. R. China
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2
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Lin H, Song X, Chai OJH, Yao Q, Yang H, Xie J. Photoluminescent Characterization of Metal Nanoclusters: Basic Parameters, Methods, and Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2401002. [PMID: 38521974 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Metal nanoclusters (MNCs) can be synthesized with atomically precise structures and molecule formulae due to the rapid development of nanocluster science in recent decades. The ultrasmall size range (normally < 2 nm) endows MNCs with plenty of molecular-like properties, among which photoluminescent properties have aroused extensive attention. Tracing the research and development processes of luminescent nanoclusters, various photoluminescent analysis and characterization methods play a significant role in elucidating luminescent mechanism and analyzing luminescent properties. In this review, it is aimed to systematically summarize the normally used photoluminescent characterizations in MNCs including basic parameters and methods, such as excitation/emission wavelength, quantum yield, and lifetime. For each key parameter, first its definition and meaning is introduced and then the relevant characterization methods including measuring principles and the revelation of luminescent properties from the collected data are discussed. Then, it is discussed in details how to explore the luminescent mechanism of MNCs and construct NC-based applications based on the measured data. By means of these characterization strategies, the luminescent properties of MNCs and NC-based designs can be explained quantitatively and qualitatively. Hence, this review is expected to provide clear guidance for researchers to characterize luminescent MNCs and better understand the luminescent mechanism from the measured results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Lin
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Xiaorong Song
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology and State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Osburg Jin Huang Chai
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Qiaofeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Organic Integrated Circuits, Ministry of Education & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology and State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jianping Xie
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
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3
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Kayyil Veedu M, Osmólska J, Hajda A, Olesiak-Bańska J, Wenger J. Unveiling the photoluminescence dynamics of gold nanoclusters with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:570-577. [PMID: 38235077 PMCID: PMC10790814 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00869j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have captured significant interest for their photoluminescent properties; however, their rapid photodynamics remain elusive while probed by ensemble-averaging spectroscopy techniques. To address this challenge, we use fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to uncover the photoluminescence dynamics of colloidal Au18(SG)14 nanoclusters. Our FCS analysis reveals the photoluminescence (PL) brightness per nanocluster, elucidating the impact of photoexcitation saturation and ligand interactions. Unlike DNA-encapsulated silver nanoclusters, their gold counterparts notably exhibit minimal blinking, with moderate amplitudes and 200 μs characteristic times. Our data also clearly reveal the occurrence of photon antibunching in the PL emission, showcasing the quantum nature of the PL process, with each AuNC acting as an individual quantum source. Using zero-mode waveguide nanoapertures, we achieve a 16-fold enhancement of the PL brightness of individual AuNCs. This constitutes an important enabling proof-of-concept for tailoring emission properties through nanophotonics. Overall, our study bridges the gap between ensemble-averaged techniques and single-molecule spectroscopy, offering new insights into AuNC photodynamics for biosensing and imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malavika Kayyil Veedu
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Med, Institut Fresnel, AMUTech 13013 Marseille France
| | - Julia Osmólska
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology Wrocław Poland
| | - Agata Hajda
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology Wrocław Poland
| | - Joanna Olesiak-Bańska
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology Wrocław Poland
| | - Jérôme Wenger
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Med, Institut Fresnel, AMUTech 13013 Marseille France
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4
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Aminfar P, Ferguson T, Steele E, MacNeil EM, Matus MF, Malola S, Häkkinen H, Duchesne PN, Loock HP, Stamplecoskie KG. Accelerated size-focusing light activated synthesis of atomically precise fluorescent Au 22(Lys-Cys-Lys) 16 clusters. NANOSCALE 2023; 16:205-211. [PMID: 38051125 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04793h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Atomically precise metal nanoclusters are promising candidates for various biomedical applications, including their use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, typical synthetic routes of clusters often result in complex mixtures, where isolating and characterizing pure samples becomes challenging. In this work, a new Au22(Lys-Cys-Lys)16 cluster is synthesized using photochemistry, followed by a new type of light activated, accelerated size-focusing. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEM) and parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis have been applied to track the formation of fluorescent species, and to assess optical purity of the final product. Furthermore, excited state reactivity of Au22(Lys-Cys-Lys)16 clusters is studied, and formation of type-I reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the excited state of the clusters is observed. The proposed size-focusing procedure in this work can be easily adapted to conventional cluster synthetic methods, such as borohydride reduction, to provide atomically precise clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parimah Aminfar
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Travis Ferguson
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Emily Steele
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Emerson M MacNeil
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - María Francisca Matus
- Departments of Physics and Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Sami Malola
- Departments of Physics and Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Hannu Häkkinen
- Departments of Physics and Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Paul N Duchesne
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Hans-Peter Loock
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, V8N 5C2, Canada
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5
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Aminfar P, Yousefalizadeh G, Steele E, Chen J, Zheng G, Stamplecoskie KG. Photochemical synthesis of fluorescent Au 16(RGDC) 14 and excited state reactivity with molecular oxygen. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:13561-13566. [PMID: 37551778 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02258g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous metal nanoclusters have emerged as effective materials for biomedical imaging and therapy. Among them, gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have been widely studied due to their unique electronic structures. These nanoclusters are often optically impure, comprising a mixture of fluorescent clusters with different metal/ligand compositions. The polydispersity of nanoclusters makes it challenging to isolate the most stable structure, and poses further risks for eventual clinical applications. Herein, Au16L14 clusters are reported which are optically pure as assessed by fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy and parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis. The reactivity of their excited state with molecular oxygen was also probed, demonstrating that the Au16L14 clusters generate type I reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can make them effective sensitizers for photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parimah Aminfar
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | | | - Emily Steele
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Juan Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
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6
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Wang C, Zhao H, Ge Z, Dong L, Han X, Balakrishna A, Balguri PK, Wang Y, Thumu U. Kinetically Controlled Synthesis of Highly Emissive Au 18SG 14 Clusters and Their Phase Transfer: Tips and Tricks. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:6884-6894. [PMID: 36844533 PMCID: PMC9948219 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) protected gold nanoclusters (Au n SG m NCs) have been attractive because of their novel properties such as enhanced luminescence and band gap tunability at their quantum confinement region (below ∼2 nm). Initial synthetic routes of mixed-size clusters and size-based separation techniques had latter evolved toward atomically precise nanoclusters via thermodynamic and kinetic control routes. One such exemplary synthesis taking the advantages of a kinetically controlled approach is producing highly red-emissive Au18SG14 NCs (where SG = thiolate of glutathione), thanks to the slow reduction kinetics provided by the mild reducing agent NaBH3CN. Despite the developments in the direct synthesis of Au18SG14, several meticulous reaction conditions still need to be understood for the highly adaptable synthesis of atomically pure NCs irrespective of the laboratory conditions. Herein, we have systematically studied a series of reaction steps involved in this kinetically controlled approach starting from the role of the antisolvent, formation of precursors to Au-SG thiolates, growth of Au-SG thiolates as a function of aging time, and exploring an optimal reaction temperature to optimize the desired nucleation under slow reduction kinetics. The crucial parameters derived in our studies guide the successful and large-scale production of Au18SG14 at any laboratory condition. Next, we investigated the effect of pH on the NCs to study the stability and the best suitable condition for the phase transfer of Au18SG14 clusters. The commonly implemented method of phase transfer at the basic conditions (pH > 9) is not successful in this case. However, we developed a feasible method for the phase transfer by diluting the aqueous NC solution to enhance the negative charges on the NCs' surface by increasing the degree of dissociation at the carboxylic acid group. It is interesting to note that after the phase transfer, the Au18SG14-TOA NCs in toluene as well as in other organic solvents exhibited enhanced luminescence quantum yields from 9 to 3 times and increased average photoluminescence lifetimes by 1.5-2.5 times, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Wang
- Institute
of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Hairong Zhao
- Institute
of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Zhongsheng Ge
- Institute
of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Lizhuang Dong
- Institute
of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Institute
of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Avula Balakrishna
- Institute
of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Praveen Kumar Balguri
- Department
of Aeronautical Engineering, Institute of
Aeronautical Engineering, Hyderabad 500043, India
| | - Yixi Wang
- Institute
of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Udayabhaskararao Thumu
- Institute
of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences University of Electronic Science
and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
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7
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Du X, Liu Z, Higaki T, Zhou M, Jin R. Understanding the Nascent Plasmons and Metallic Bonding in Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters. Chem Sci 2022; 13:1925-1932. [PMID: 35308844 PMCID: PMC8849037 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06819a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The metallic bond is arguably the most intriguing one among the three types of chemical bonds, and the resultant plasmon excitation (e.g. in gold nanoparticles) has garnered wide interest. Recent...
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangsha Du
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15213 USA
| | - Zhongyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15213 USA
| | - Tatsuya Higaki
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15213 USA
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15213 USA
| | - Rongchao Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15213 USA
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8
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Yousefalizadeh G, Stamplecoskie KG. Photophysics of Ag and Au alloys of M 25(SR) 18 clusters. J Chem Phys 2021; 155:134301. [PMID: 34624992 DOI: 10.1063/5.0059624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Superatom clusters, Au25(SR)18, and the silver analog and alloys of the two metals have been extensively investigated for their structure, stability, photoluminescence, and electronic properties. One can readily tune the physicochemical properties by varying the ratio of Au/Ag or the thiol ligand to attain desired properties, such as enhanced emission, increased stability, and catalytic activity. Herein, excitation emission matrix spectroscopy and pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy are used to show that the excited state dynamics of Au25(SR)18, Ag25(SR)18, and their alloys differ significantly despite having similar structures. State-resolved excited state behavior that is well documented for gold clusters is largely affected by the metal composition, becoming less pronounced for silver analogs, resulting in diversity in terms of their excited state energy and relaxation dynamics and resultant photophysical properties, such as emission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goonay Yousefalizadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Chernoff Hall, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kevin G Stamplecoskie
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Chernoff Hall, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
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9
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Zhu S, Wang X, Cong Y, Liu L, Li L. Free Radical Polymerization of Gold Nanoclusters and Hydrogels for Cell Capture and Light-Controlled Release. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:19360-19368. [PMID: 33876923 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c03587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanocluster (AuNC) decorated hydrogels have attracted considerable attention as versatile biomaterials. To date AuNCs and hydrogels have mainly been mixed as independent components. Here, we report the use of AuNCs as reactive monomers in the polymerization of hydrogels. We used a free radical polymerization to copolymerize AuNCs with acrylamide and N-acryloyl glycinamide to prepare stimuli-responsive smart hydrogels. Multiple C═C bonds were decorated on the surface of the AuNCs as active sites for polymerization. These C═C bonds not only protected the structure of the AuNCs from oxidation by free radicals during polymerization but also covalently connected the AuNCs with the polymer chains. This structure ensured good photothermal performance of the AuNCs while preserving the thermoresponsive hydrogen bonds of polymers. Moreover, the copolymerized AuNCs acted as cross-linkers, which improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. These smart hydrogels had good stability, efficient photothermal conversion, and a sensitive thermoresponsive. We examined their potential for capture of MDA-MB-231 cells with hyaluronic acid as target molecules. The captured cells were released under 660 nm irradiation. This process of targeted capture and light-controlled remote release could be repeatedly applied. These results suggest that systems based on AuNCs copolymerized with hydrogels have great potential for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Cong
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Lu Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Lidong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
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10
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Zhou M, Jin R. Optical Properties and Excited-State Dynamics of Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters. Annu Rev Phys Chem 2021; 72:121-142. [PMID: 33297734 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physchem-090419-104921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the excited-state dynamics of nanomaterials is essential to their applications in photoenergy storage and conversion. This review summarizes recent progress in the excited-state dynamics of atomically precise gold (Au) nanoclusters (NCs). We first discuss the electronic structure and typical relaxation pathways of Au NCs from subpicoseconds to microseconds. Unlike plasmonic Au nanoparticles, in which collective electron excitation dominates, Au NCs show single-electron transitions and molecule-like exciton dynamics. The size-, shape-, structure-, and composition-dependent dynamics in Au NCs are further discussed in detail. For small-sized Au NCs, strong quantum confinement effects give rise to relaxation dynamics that is significantly dependent on atomic packing, shape, and heteroatom doping. For relatively larger-sized Au NCs, strong size dependence can be observed in exciton and electron dynamics. We also discuss the origin of coherent oscillations and their roles in excited-state relaxation. Finally, we provide our perspective on future directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA;
| | - Rongchao Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA;
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11
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Yousefalizadeh G, Ahmadi S, Mosey NJ, Stamplecoskie KG. Exciting clusters, what does off-resonance actually mean? NANOSCALE 2021; 13:242-252. [PMID: 33331367 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr06493a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Noble metal clusters have unique photophysical properties, especially as a new class of materials for multiphoton biomedical imaging. The previously studied Au25SR18 exhibits "giant" two-photon absorbance cross sections. Herein, we investigate the origins of the large two photon absorption for Au25SR18, as well as 10 other Au and Ag clusters using femtosecond pump/probe transient absorption spectroscopy (fsTAS). Excited state absorbance (ESA) ubiquitous to thiolated Au and Ag clusters is used herein as an optical signature of two-photon absorbances of the 11 different Au and Ag clusters, which does not require high quantum yields of emission. The large selection of clusters, studied with a single laser system, allows us to draw conclusions on the role of the particular metal, cluster size/structure, and the effects of the ligands on the ability to absorb multiple NIR photons. The use of a laser with a 1028 nm excitation also allows us to investigate the dramatic effect of excitation wavelength and explain why laser wavelength has led to large variances in the non-linear responses reported for clusters to date. We discuss the double resonance mechanism, responsible for giant two photon absorbance cross-sections, helping match properties of metal clusters with experimental conditions for maximizing signal/response in multiphoton applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goonay Yousefalizadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, 90 Bader Lane, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
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12
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Chang H, Karan NS, Shin K, Bootharaju MS, Nah S, Chae SI, Baek W, Lee S, Kim J, Son YJ, Kang T, Ko G, Kwon SH, Hyeon T. Highly Fluorescent Gold Cluster Assembly. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 143:326-334. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c10907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hogeun Chang
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Niladri S. Karan
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangsoo Shin
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Megalamane. S. Bootharaju
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghee Nah
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sue In Chae
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Woonhyuk Baek
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghwa Lee
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhee Kim
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ju Son
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Taegyu Kang
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Giho Ko
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hae Kwon
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeghwan Hyeon
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Process, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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Senanayake RD, Aikens CM. Theoretical investigation of relaxation dynamics in the Au18(SH)14 thiolate-protected gold nanocluster. J Chem Phys 2019; 151:094702. [DOI: 10.1063/1.5116902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine M. Aikens
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
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