1
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Qiao L, Fu Z, Li B, Liu Z, Cai L, Pan Y, Ran X, He Y, Wu W, Chi Z, Liu R, Guo L. Heteroatom Doping Promoted Ultrabright and Ultrastable Photoluminescence of Water-Soluble Au/Ag Nanoclusters for Visual and Efficient Drug Delivery to Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:34510-34523. [PMID: 38946393 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Photoluminescence (PL) metal nanoclusters (NCs) have attracted extensive attention due to their excellent physicochemical properties, good biocompatibility, and broad application prospects. However, developing water-soluble PL metal NCs with a high quantum yield (QY) and high stability for visual drug delivery remains a great challenge. Herein, we have synthesized ultrabright l-Arg-ATT-Au/Ag NCs (Au/Ag NCs) with a PL QY as high as 73% and excellent photostability by heteroatom doping and surface rigidization in aqueous solution. The as-prepared Au/Ag NCs can maintain a high QY of over 61% in a wide pH range and various ionic environments as well as a respectable resistance to photobleaching. The results from structure characterization and steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic analysis reveal that Ag doping into Au NCs not only effectively modifies the electronic structure and photostability but also significantly regulates the interfacial dynamics of the excited states and enhances the PL QY of Au/Ag NCs. Studies in vitro indicate Au/Ag NCs have a high loading capacity and pH-triggered release ability of doxorubicin (DOX) that can be visualized from the quenching and recovery of PL intensity and lifetime. Imaging-guided experiments in cancer cells show that DOX of Au/Ag NCs-DOX agents can be efficiently delivered and released in the nucleus with preferential accumulation in the nucleolus, facilitating deep insight into the drug action sites and pharmacological mechanisms. Moreover, the evaluation of anticancer activity in vivo reveals an outstanding suppression rate of 90.2% for mice tumors. These findings demonstrate Au/Ag NCs to be a superior platform for bioimaging and visual drug delivery in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Qiao
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Zhijie Fu
- School of Physics and Electronics, International Joint Research Laboratory of New Energy Materials and Devices of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Zhanpeng Liu
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Lin Cai
- School of Physics and Electronics, International Joint Research Laboratory of New Energy Materials and Devices of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yatao Pan
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Xia Ran
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yulu He
- School of Physics and Electronics, International Joint Research Laboratory of New Energy Materials and Devices of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Wenqiang Wu
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Zhen Chi
- School of Physics and Electronics, International Joint Research Laboratory of New Energy Materials and Devices of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Renming Liu
- School of Physics and Electronics, International Joint Research Laboratory of New Energy Materials and Devices of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Lijun Guo
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- School of Physics and Electronics, International Joint Research Laboratory of New Energy Materials and Devices of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
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2
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Kong W, Li J, Yan Y, Tan Q, Kong RM, Xiang M, Zhang E, Zhao Y. Spatially confined dual-emission nanoprobes assembled from silicon nanoparticles and gold nanoclusters for ratiometric biosensing. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:450. [PMID: 38970684 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06530-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) possess weak intrinsic fluorescence, limiting their sensitivity in biosensing applications. This study addresses these limitations by developing a spatially confined dual-emission nanoprobe composed of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) and AuNCs. This amplified and stabilized fluorescence mechanism overcomes the limitations associated with using AuNCs alone, achieving superior sensitivity in the sensing platform. The nanoprobe was successfully employed for ratiometric detection of bleomycin (BLM) in serum samples, operating at an excitation wavelength of 365 nm, with emission wavelengths at 480 nm and 580 nm. The analytical performance of the system is distinguished by a linear detection range of 0-3.5 μM, an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 35.27 nM, and exceptional recoveries ranging from 96.80 to 105.9%. This innovative approach significantly enhances the applicability and reliability of AuNC-based biosensing in complex biological media, highlighting its superior analytical capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiheng Kong
- Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jiahao Li
- Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, P. R. China
| | - Yuntian Yan
- Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Rong-Mei Kong
- Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, P. R. China
| | - Meihao Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, P. R. China
| | - Ensheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
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3
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Zheng H, Zhou Y, Yan B, Zhou G, Cheng X, Lin S, Duan M, Li J, Wang L, Fan C, Chen J, Shen J. DNA Framework-Guided Self-Limiting Aggregation for Highly Luminescent Metal Cluster Nanoaggregates. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:17094-17102. [PMID: 38867462 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The photoluminescent properties of atomically precise metal nanoclusters (MCs) have garnered significant attention in the fields of chemical sensing and biological imaging. However, the limited brightness of single-component nanoclusters hinders their practical applications, and the conventional ligand engineering approaches have proven insufficient in enhancing the emission efficiency of MCs. Here, we present a DNA framework-guided strategy to prepare highly luminescent metal cluster nanoaggregates. Our approach involves an amphiphilic DNA framework comprising a hydrophobic alkyl core and a rigid DNA framework shell, serving as a nucleation site and providing well-defined nanoconfinements for the self-limiting aggregation of MCs. Through this method, we successfully produced homogeneous MC nanoaggregates (10.1 ± 1.2 nm) with remarkable nanoscale precision. Notably, this strategy proves adaptable to various MCs, leading to a substantial enhancement in emission and quantum yield, up to 3011- and 87-fold, respectively. Furthermore, our investigation using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy at the single-particle level uncovered a more uniform photon number distribution and higher photostability for MC nanoaggregates compared to template-free counterparts. This DNA-templating strategy introduces a conceptually innovative approach for studying the photoluminescent properties of aggregates with nanoscale precision and holds promise for constructing highly luminescent MC nanoparticles for diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bingjie Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Gaoang Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xinyi Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Sicheng Lin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mulin Duan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Institute of Materiobiology, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Institute of Materiobiology, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Institute of Materiobiology, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jianlei Shen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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4
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Yang B, Zhang YM, Wang C, Gu C, Li C, Yin H, Yan Y, Yang G, Zhang SXA. An electrochemically responsive B-O dynamic bond to switch photoluminescence of boron-nitrogen-doped polyaromatics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5166. [PMID: 38886345 PMCID: PMC11183244 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48918-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Boron-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exhibit excellent optical properties, and regulating their photophysical processes is a powerful strategy to understand the luminescence mechanism and develop new materials and applications. Herein, an electrochemically responsive B-O dynamic coordination bond is proposed, and used to regulate the photophysical processes of boron-nitrogen-doped polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The formation of the B-O coordination bond under a suitable voltage is confirmed by experiments and theoretical calculations, and B-O coordination bond can be broken back to the initial state under opposite voltage. The whole process is accompanied by reversible changes in photophysical properties. Further, electrofluorochromic devices are successfully prepared based on the above electrochemically responsive coordination bond. The success and harvest of this exploration are beneficial to understand the luminescence mechanism of boron-nitrogen-doped polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and provide ideas for design of dynamic covalent bonds and broaden material types and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baige Yang
- State Key Lab of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Mo Zhang
- State Key Lab of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China.
| | - Chunyu Wang
- State Key Lab of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Chang Gu
- State Key Lab of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Chenglong Li
- State Key Lab of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China.
| | - Hang Yin
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China.
| | - Yan Yan
- College of Instrumentation & Electrical Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Guojian Yang
- State Key Lab of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Sean Xiao-An Zhang
- State Key Lab of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China.
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5
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Zhong Y, Wang X, Li T, Yao Q, Dong W, Lu M, Bai X, Wu Z, Xie J, Zhang Y. White-Emitting Gold Nanocluster Assembly with Dynamic Color Tuning. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:6997-7003. [PMID: 38721805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
We report that constructed Au nanoclusters (NCs) can afford amazing white emission synergistically dictated by the Au(0)-dominated core-state fluorescence and Au(I)-governed surface-state phosphorescence, with record-high absolute quantum yields of 42.1% and 53.6% in the aqueous solution and powder state, respectively. Moreover, the dynamic color tuning is achieved in a wide warm-to-cold white-light range (with the correlated color temperature varied from 3426 to 24 973 K) by elaborately manipulating the ratio of Au(0) to Au(I) species and thus the electron transfer rate from staple motif to metal kernel. This study not only exemplifies the successful integration of multiple luminescent centers into metal NCs to accomplish efficient white-light emission but also inspires a feasible pathway toward customizing the optical properties of metal NCs by regulating electron transfer kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Tingting Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin Jianzhu University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Qiaofeng Yao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Integrated Circuits, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Weinan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Min Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xue Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Zhennan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jianping Xie
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
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6
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Wang Y, Ye J, Liu K, Wu Y, Linghu J, Feng T, Liu Y, Dou X, Yuan X, Zhu H. Ultrasmall copper nanoclusters as an efficient antibacterial agent for primary peritonitis therapy. RSC Adv 2024; 14:15413-15418. [PMID: 38741962 PMCID: PMC11089525 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01785d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The urgent need to develop biocompatible, non-resistant antibacterial agents to effectively combat Gram-negative bacterial infections, particularly for the treatment of peritonitis, presents a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce our water-soluble Cu30 nanoclusters (NCs) as a potent and versatile antibacterial agent tailored for addressing peritonitis. The as-synthesized atomically precise Cu30 NCs demonstrate exceptional broad-spectrum antibacterial performance, and especially outstanding bactericidal activity of 100% against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). Our in vivo experimental findings indicate that the Cu30 NCs exhibit remarkable therapeutic efficacy against primary peritonitis caused by E. coli infection. Specifically, the treatment leads to a profound reduction of drug-resistant bacteria in the peritoneal cavity of mice with peritonitis by more than 5 orders of magnitude, along with the resolution of pathological features in the peritoneum and spleen. Additionally, comprehensive in vivo biosafety assessment underscores the remarkable biocompatibility, low biotoxicity, as well as efficient hepatic and renal clearance of Cu30 NCs, emphasizing their potential for in vivo application. This investigation is poised to advance the development of novel Cu NC-based antibacterial agents for in vivo antibacterial treatment and the elimination of abdominal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Jingrun Ye
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Kang Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Yinghao Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Jiayi Linghu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Ting Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Xinyue Dou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Xun Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
| | - Haiguang Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology Qingdao 266042 PR China
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7
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Kong J, Kuang Z, Zhang W, Song Y, Yao G, Zhang C, Wang H, Luo Y, Zhou M. Robust vibrational coherence protected by a core-shell structure in silver nanoclusters. Chem Sci 2024; 15:6906-6915. [PMID: 38725488 PMCID: PMC11077528 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00009a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Vibrational coherence has attracted considerable research interests because of its potential functions in light harvesting systems. Although positive signs of vibrational coherence in metal nanoclusters have been observed, the underlying mechanism remains to be verified. Here, we demonstrate that robust vibrational coherence with a lifetime of 1 ps can be clearly identified in Ag44(SR)30 core-shell nanoclusters, in which an icosahedral Ag12 core is well protected by a dodecahedral Ag20 cage. Ultrafast spectroscopy reveals that two vibrational modes at around 2.4 THz and 1.6 THz, corresponding to the breathing mode and quadrupolar-like mode of the icosahedral Ag12 core, respectively, are responsible for the generation of vibrational coherence. In addition, the vibrational coherence of Ag44 has an additional high frequency mode (2.4 THz) when compared with that of Ag29, in which there is only one low frequency vibration mode (1.6 THz), and the relatively faster dephasing in two-layer Ag29 relative to that in Ag44 further supports the fact that the robust vibrational coherence in Ag44 is ascribed to its unique matryoshka-like core-shell structure. Our findings not only present unambiguous experimental evidence for a multi-layer core-shell structure protected vibrational coherence under ambient conditions but also offers a practical strategy for the design of highly efficient quantum optoelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Kong
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Zhuoran Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonic and Optical Communications, School of Science Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT) Beijing 100876 P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Yongbo Song
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Research and Engineering Center of Biomedical Materials, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 P. R. China
| | - Guo Yao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center for 5Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University Nanjing 210093 P. R. China
| | - Chunfeng Zhang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center for 5Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University Nanjing 210093 P. R. China
| | - He Wang
- Department of Physics, University of Miami Coral Gables Florida 33146 USA
| | - Yi Luo
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China
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8
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Liu Z, Luo L, Kong J, Kahng E, Zhou M, Jin R. Bright near-infrared emission from the Au 39(SR) 29 nanocluster. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:7419-7426. [PMID: 38529816 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00677a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of atomically precise gold nanoclusters with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in the near-infrared (NIR) region and understanding their photoluminescence mechanism are crucial for both fundamental science and practical applications. Herein, we report a highly luminescent, molecularly pure Au39(PET)29 (PET = 2-phenylethanethiolate) nanocluster with PLQY of 19% in the NIR range (915 nm). Steady state and time-resolved PL analyses, as well as temperature-dependent PL measurements reveal the emission nature of Au39(PET)29, which consists of prompt fluorescence (weak), thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), and phosphorescence (predominant). Furthermore, strong dipole-dipole interaction in the solid-state (e.g., Au39(PET)29 nanoclusters embedded in a polystyrene thin-film) is found to narrow the energy gap between the S1 and T1 states, which results in faster intersystem crossing and reverse intersystem crossing; thus, the ratio of TADF to phosphorescence varies and the total PLQY is increased to 32%. This highly luminescent nanocluster holds promise in imaging, sensing and optoelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Lianshun Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Jie Kong
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China. Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Ellen Kahng
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Meng Zhou
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China. Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Rongchao Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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9
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Wang M, Tian F, Xin Q, Ma H, Liu L, Yang S, Sun S, Song N, Tan K, Li Z, Zhang L, Wang Q, Feng L, Wang H, Wang Z, Zhang XD. In Vivo Toxicology of Metabolizable Atomically Precise Au 25 Clusters at Ultrahigh Doses. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:540-550. [PMID: 38557019 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasmall Au25(MPA)18 clusters show great potential in biocatalysts and bioimaging due to their well-defined, tunable structure and properties. Hence, in vivo pharmacokinetics and toxicity of Au nanoclusters (Au NCs) are very important for clinical translation, especially at high dosages. Herein, the in vivo hematological, tissue, and neurological effects following exposure to Au NCs (300 and 500 mg kg-1) were investigated, in which the concentration is 10 times higher than in therapeutic use. The biochemical and hematological parameters of the injected Au NCs were within normal limits, even at the ultrahigh level of 500 mg kg-1. Meanwhile, no histopathological changes were observed in the Au NC group, and immunofluorescence staining showed no obvious lesions in the major organs. Furthermore, real-time near-infrared-II (NIR-II) imaging showed that most of the Au25(MPA)18 and Au24Zn1(MPA)18 can be metabolized via the kidney. The results demonstrated that Au NCs exhibit good biosafety by evaluating the manifestation of toxic effects on major organs at ultrahigh doses, providing reliable data for their application in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoyu Wang
- Department of Physics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Fangzhen Tian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qi Xin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Huizhen Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shuyu Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Si Sun
- Department of Physics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Nan Song
- Department of Physics, School of Science, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - KeXin Tan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Department of Physics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Radiobiology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Liefeng Feng
- Department of Physics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhidong Wang
- Department of Radiobiology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Department of Physics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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10
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Zhang J, Hu H, Wang J, Lu K, Zhou Y, Zhao L, Peng J. Gold nanoclusters-based fluorescence sensor array for herbicides qualitative and quantitative analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1298:342380. [PMID: 38462337 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Herbicides have been extensively used around the world, which poses a potential hazard to humans and wildlife. Accurate detection of herbicides is crucial for the environment and human health. Herein, a simple and sensitive fluorescence sensor array was constructed for discrimination and identification of herbicides. Fluorescent gold nanoclusters modified with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid or reduced glutathione were prepared, respectively. Metal ions quenched the fluorescence of nanoclusters through coordination and leading to the aggregation of gold nanoclusters. The addition of auxin herbicides (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, decamba, picloram, quinclorac) restored the fluorescence of nanoclusters with different degrees. The mechanism study showed auxin herbicides can bind with metal ions and re-disperse the gold nanoclusters from the aggregation state. The "on-off-on" fluorescent sensor array was constructed basic on above detection mechanism. Combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) methods, auxin herbicides are well separated on 2D/3D PCA score plots and HCA dendrogram in the range of 40-500 μm. In addition, the fluorescence sensor array performed successful in detecting real samples and blind samples. The developed sensor system shows a promising in practical detection of herbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Huihui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Keqiang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Yunyun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Lingzhi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Juanjuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
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11
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Zhang Y, Zhang W, Zhang TS, Ge C, Tao Y, Fei W, Fan W, Zhou M, Li MB. Site-Recognition-Induced Structural and Photoluminescent Evolution of the Gold-Pincer Nanocluster. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:9631-9639. [PMID: 38530981 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The induced structural transformation provides an efficient way to precisely modulate the fine structures and the corresponding performance of gold nanoclusters, thus constituting one of the important research topics in cluster chemistry. However, the driving forces and mechanisms of these processes are still ambiguous in many cases, limiting further applications. In this work, based on the unique coordination mode of the pincer ligand-stabilized gold nanocluster Au8(PNP)4, we revealed the site-recognition mechanism for induced transformations of gold nanoclusters. The "open nitrogen sites" on the surface of the nanocluster interact with different inducers including organic compounds and metals and trigger the conversion of Au8(PNP)4 to Au13 and Au9Ag4 nanoclusters, respectively. Control experiments verified the site-recognition mechanism, and the femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed the electronic and photoluminescent evolution accompanied by the structural transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemical Physics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Tai-Song Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Chao Ge
- Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Yang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Wenwen Fei
- Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Weigang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Chemical Physics, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Man-Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P. R. China
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12
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Heintzelman DJ, Nelson SA, Knappenberger KL. Influence of Halogen-Solvent Hydrogen Bonding on Gold Nanocluster Photoluminescence. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:2951-2956. [PMID: 38452374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The influence of gold nanocluster-solvent interactions on nanostructure optical properties was determined. Using [Au11(BINAP)4X2]+, where X = Cl or Br, as a model system, the dramatic influence of halogen-solvent hydrogen bonding on nanocluster optical properties was resolved. The creation of a nanocluster-solvent hydrogen-bond network yielded intense photoluminescence (PL) and an accompanying 2-fold reduction in vibration-mediated nonradiative decay rates. PL was quenched for systems that did not support hydrogen bonding. As reflected by absorption line widths, Raman scattering, and transient absorption spectroscopy measurements, the hydrogen-bond network increased nanocluster structural rigidity and reduced nonradiative carrier decay rates. The results highlight the significant role of the nanocluster-solvent interface in determining the properties of structurally precise materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Heintzelman
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Seth A Nelson
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Kenneth L Knappenberger
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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13
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Shen H, Xu J, Fu Z, Wei X, Kang X, Shi W, Zhu M. Photoluminescence Quenching of Hydrophobic Ag 29 Nanoclusters Caused by Molecular Decoupling during Aqueous Phase Transfer and EmissionRecovery through Supramolecular Recoupling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317995. [PMID: 38191987 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Exploiting emissive hydrophobic nanoclusters for hydrophilic applications remains a challenge because of photoluminescence (PL) quenching during phase transfer. In addition, the mechanism underlying PL quenching remains unclear. In this study, the PL-quenching mechanism was examined by analyzing the atomically precise structures and optical properties of a surface-engineered Ag29 nanocluster with an all-around-carboxyl-functionalized surface. Specifically, phase-transfer-triggered PL quenching was justified as molecular decoupling, which directed an unfixed cluster surface and weakened the radiative transition. Furthermore, emission recovery of the quenched nanoclusters was accomplished by using a supramolecular recoupling approach through the glutathione-addition-induced aggregation of cluster molecules, wherein the restriction of intracluster motion and intercluster rotation strengthened the radiative transition of the clusters. The results of this work offer a new perspective on structure-emission correlations for atomically precise nanoclusters and hopefully provide insight into the fabrication of highly emissive cluster-based nanomaterials for downstream hydrophilic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglei Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Anhui University, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Anhui University, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Ziwei Fu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Anhui University, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Anhui University, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xi Kang
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Anhui University, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Wenxiong Shi
- Institute for New Energy Materials and Low Carbon Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, P. R. China
| | - Manzhou Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Anhui University, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P. R. China
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14
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Lei YM, Wu D, Pan MC, Tao XL, Zeng WJ, Gan LY, Chai YQ, Yuan R, Zhuo Y. Dynamic surface reconstruction of individual gold nanoclusters by using a co-reactant enables color-tunable electrochemiluminescence. Chem Sci 2024; 15:3255-3261. [PMID: 38425534 PMCID: PMC10901519 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06148e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Here we report for the first time the phenomenon of continuously color-tunable electrochemiluminescence (ECL) from individual gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) confined in a porous hydrogel matrix by adjusting the concentration of the co-reactant. Specifically, the hydrogel-confined Au NCs exhibit strong dual-color ECL in an aqueous solution with triethylamine (TEA) as a co-reactant, with a record-breaking quantum yield of 95%. Unlike previously reported Au NCs, the ECL origin of the hydrogel-confined Au NCs is related to both the Au(0) kernel and the Au(i)-S surface. Surprisingly, the surface-related ECL of Au NCs exhibits a wide color-tunable range of 625-829 nm, but the core-related ECL remains constant at 489 nm. Theoretical and experimental studies demonstrate that the color-tunable ECL is caused by the dynamic surface reconstruction of Au NCs and TEA radicals. This work opens up new avenues for dynamically manipulating the ECL spectra of core-shell emitters in biosensing and imaging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Mei Lei
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200127 China
| | - Di Wu
- College of Physics and Center of Quantum Materials and Devices, Chongqing University Chongqing 401331 China
| | - Mei-Chen Pan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China
| | - Xiu-Li Tao
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China
| | - Wei-Jia Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China
| | - Li-Yong Gan
- College of Physics and Center of Quantum Materials and Devices, Chongqing University Chongqing 401331 China
| | - Ya-Qin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China
| | - Ying Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400715 China
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15
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Liu Z, Luo L, Jin R. Visible to NIR-II Photoluminescence of Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309073. [PMID: 37922431 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Atomically precise gold nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as a new class of precision materials and attracted wide interest in recent years. One of the unique properties of such nanoclusters pertains to their photoluminescence (PL), for it can widely span visible to near-infrared-I and -II wavelengths (NIR-I/II), and even beyond 1700 nm by manipulating the size, structure, and composition. The current research efforts focus on the structure-PL correlation and the development of strategies for raising the PL quantum yields, which is nontrivial when moving from the visible to the near-infrared wavelengths, especially in the NIR-II regions. This review summarizes the recent progress in the field, including i) the types of PL observed in gold NCs such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, and thermally activated delayed fluorescence, as well as dual emission; ii) some effective strategies that are devised to improve the PL quantum yield (QY) of gold NCs, such as heterometal doping, surface rigidification, and core phonon engineering, with double-digit QYs for the NIR PL on the horizons; and iii) the applications of luminescent gold NCs in bioimaging, photosensitization, and optoelectronics. Finally, the remaining challenges and opportunities for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA
| | - Lianshun Luo
- 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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16
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Chen J, Gu P, Ran G, Zhang Y, Li M, Chen B, Lu H, Han YZ, Zhang W, Tang Z, Yan Q, Sun R, Fu X, Chen G, Shi Z, Wang S, Liu X, Li J, Wang L, Zhu Y, Shen J, Tang BZ, Fan C. Atomically precise photothermal nanomachines. NATURE MATERIALS 2024; 23:271-280. [PMID: 37957270 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01721-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Interfacing molecular machines to inorganic nanoparticles can, in principle, lead to hybrid nanomachines with extended functions. Here we demonstrate a ligand engineering approach to develop atomically precise hybrid nanomachines by interfacing gold nanoclusters with tetraphenylethylene molecular rotors. When gold nanoclusters are irradiated with near-infrared light, the rotation of surface-decorated tetraphenylethylene moieties actively dissipates the absorbed energy to sustain the photothermal nanomachine with an intact structure and steady efficiency. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy reveal that the photogenerated hot electrons are rapidly cooled down within picoseconds via electron-phonon coupling in the nanomachine. We find that the nanomachine remains structurally and functionally intact in mammalian cells and in vivo. A single dose of near-infrared irradiation can effectively ablate tumours without recurrence in tumour-bearing mice, which shows promise in the development of nanomachine-based theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Institute of Materiobiology, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- The Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Peilin Gu
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangliu Ran
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Center for Advanced Quantum Studies, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingqiang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Chen
- School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Zi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Center for Advanced Quantum Studies, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zichao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | | | - Rui Sun
- The Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Xiangfu Laboratory, Jiashan, China
| | - Xiaobin Fu
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guorui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwen Shi
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoguo Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Institute of Materiobiology, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Institute of Materiobiology, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Institute of Materiobiology, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianlei Shen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acids Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Niazi S, Khan IM, Akhtar W, Ul Haq F, Pasha I, Khan MKI, Mohsin A, Ahmad S, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Aptamer functionalized gold nanoclusters as an emerging nanoprobe in biosensing, diagnostic, catalysis and bioimaging. Talanta 2024; 268:125270. [PMID: 37875028 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanostructures, with their fascinating luminescent and detecting capabilities, provide a basis that can accommodate a wide range of applications. The unique electronic configurations, and physical and chemical properties of aptamer-assembled gold nanoclusters (apt-AuNCs) as a novel type of fluorophore have gradually piqued the interest of the scientific community. Bending DNA sequences and other templates/legends as a stabilizing agent with Au metal has produced an abundance of biosensors, along with catalytic and imaging properties. This review article summarizes the synthesis, conjugation tactics, advantages, and sensing mechanisms of AuNCs aptasensor after providing a brief introduction to the topic. Moreover, the application of DNA/aptamer functionalization has been briefly discussed in the fields of food safety and quality, catalysis, clinical diagnosis, cancer cell bioimaging, detection of cancer cell indicators, and therapy. We also concluded the current obstacles and made recommendations about the future prospects of AuNCs for fundamental research and applications in line with the developments in DNA/aptamer-AuNCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Niazi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Imran Mahmood Khan
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| | - Wasim Akhtar
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Faizan Ul Haq
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Imran Pasha
- NIFSAT, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kashif Iqbal Khan
- NIFSAT, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Department of Food Engineering, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, ECUST, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Shabbir Ahmad
- Department of Food Science and Technology, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Yin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing of Sichuan, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Zhouping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; Key Laboratory of Meat Processing of Sichuan, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China.
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18
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Ge X, Zhang M, Yin F, Sun Q, Mo F, Huang X, Zheng Y, Wu G, Zhang Y, Shen Y. Supramolecular assembly-induced electrochemiluminescence enhancement of gold nanoclusters for hemoglobin detection. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1355-1360. [PMID: 38230749 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02892e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) with excellent optical properties and biocompatibility have become one of the most promising electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters. However, the low efficiency and poor stability of Au NCs restrict their applications in ECL. Herein, by supramolecular assembly of L-arginine (Arg) and 4-hydroxy-2-mercapto-6-methylpyrimidine (MTU) on the surface of Au NCs, Arg/MTU-Au NCs with enhanced ECL efficiency and stability were prepared. Compared with the MTU-stabilized Au NCs (MTU-Au NCs), the ECL efficiency of Arg/MTU-Au NCs increased by 24.8 times. As a proof-of-concept, a sensitive biosensing platform was constructed for sensitive detection of hemoglobin (Hb) in urine using Arg/MTU-Au NCs as ECL emitters. The proposed ECL detection platform provides a feasible strategy for the detection of biomarkers in urine and has broad application prospects in disease screening and clinical marker detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Ge
- Medical School, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Medical School, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qian Sun
- Medical School, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Fan Mo
- Medical School, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xinzhou Huang
- Medical School, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Ying Zheng
- Medical School, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Guoqiu Wu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuanjian Zhang
- Medical School, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yanfei Shen
- Medical School, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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19
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Zhang G, Liu T, Cai H, Hu Y, Zhang Z, Huang M, Peng J, Lai W. Molecular Engineering and Confinement Effect Powered Ultrabright Nanoparticles for Improving Sensitivity of Lateral Flow Immunoassay. ACS NANO 2024; 18:2346-2354. [PMID: 38181225 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The application of traditional lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA)-based gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to measure traces of target chemicals is usually challenging. In this study, we developed an integrated strategy based on molecular engineering and the spatial confinement of nanoparticles (NPs) to obtain ultrahigh quantum yields (QYs) of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescence NPs and employed them for the highly sensitive detection of T-2 toxin on the LFIA platform. Tetraethyl-4,4',4″,4‴-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl)tetrabenzoate (TCPEME), an AIE luminogen, was designed using molecular engineering to lower the energy gap, achieving higher QYs (26.26%) than previous AIEgens (13.02%). Subsequently, TCPEME-doped fluorescence NPs (TFNPs) achieved ultrahigh QYs, up to 84.55%, which were generated from the strong restriction of the NP state, efficiently suppressing nonradiative relaxation channels verified by ultrafast electron dynamics. On the LFIA platform, the sensitivity of the designed TFNP-based LFIA (TFNP-LFIA) was 10.4-fold and 4.3-fold more sensitive than that of the AuNP-LFIA and TPENP-LFIA for detecting the T-2 toxin, respectively. In addition, TFNP-LFIA was used for detecting T-2 toxin in samples and showed satisfactory recoveries (79.5 to 122.0%) with CV (1.49 to 11.75%), which implied excellent application potential for TFNP-LFIA. Overall, dual improvement of the molecule in fluorescence performance originating from the molecular engineering and spatial confinement of NPs could be an efficient tool for promoting the development of high-performance reporters in LFIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Huadong Cai
- Animal Husbandry Development and Disease Control Center of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Ganzhou Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Research Institute, Gannan Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Zhifang Zhang
- Jiangxi Agricultural Product Quality Safety and Inspection Center, Nanchang 330077, China
| | - Meifeng Huang
- Animal Husbandry Development and Disease Control Center of Ganzhou, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Juan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Weihua Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
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20
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Liu C, Li Y, He Z, Yang Y, Wu C, Fan W, Xu WW, Li MB. Reduction-Oxidation Cascade Strategy for Reforming a Au 13-Kerneled Gold Thiolate Nanocluster. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:11558-11564. [PMID: 38096134 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters protected by thiolate ligands are ideal models for investigating the structure-property correlation of nanomaterals. Introducing relatively weak coordinating ligands into gold thiolate nanoclusters and thus reforming their structures is beneficial for further releasing their activities. However, controlling the selectivity of the process is a challenging task. In this work, we report a cascade strategy for deeply and purposefully reforming the structures of gold thiolate nanoclusters, exemplified by a Au13-kerneled Au23 nanocluster. Specifically, weakly coordinated triphenylphosphine was utilized to reduce (activate) the surface of Au23, enabling its further structural reformation by the following oxidation step. A structurally distinctive Au20 nanocluster was obtained based on this reduction-oxidation cascade strategy. Mechanism studies reveal that both the reduction and oxidation steps and their working sequence are critical for the transformation. Theoretical and experimental results all indicate that the deep structural reformation results in the evolution of the electronic and photoluminescent properties of the gold thiolate nanocluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P.R. China
| | - Yanshuang Li
- Department of Physics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, P.R. China
| | - Zongbing He
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, Anhui 237015, P.R. China
| | - Chao Wu
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P.R. China
| | - Weigang Fan
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P.R. China
| | - Wen Wu Xu
- Department of Physics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, P.R. China
| | - Man-Bo Li
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, P.R. China
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21
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Wang Y, Liu Z, Mazumder A, Gianopoulos CG, Kirschbaum K, Peteanu LA, Jin R. Tailoring Carbon Tails of Ligands on Au 52(SR) 32 Nanoclusters Enhances the Near-Infrared Photoluminescence Quantum Yield from 3.8 to 18.3. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:26328-26338. [PMID: 37982713 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
One of the important factors that determine the photoluminescence (PL) properties of gold nanoclusters pertain to the surface. In this study, four Au52(SR)32 nanoclusters that feature a series of aromatic thiolate ligands (-SR) with different bulkiness at the para-position are synthesized and investigated. The near-infrared (NIR) photoluminescence (peaks at 900-940 nm) quantum yield (QY) is largely enhanced with a decrease in the ligand's para-bulkiness. Specifically, the Au52(SR)32 capped with the least bulky p-methylbenzenethiolate (p-MBT) exhibits the highest PLQY (18.3% at room temperature in non-degassed dichloromethane), while Au52 with the bulkiest tert-butylbenzenethiolate (TBBT) only gives 3.8%. The large enhancement of QY with fewer methyl groups on the ligands implies a nonradiative decay via the multiphonon process mediated by C-H bonds. Furthermore, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) comparison of Au52(p-MBT)32 and Au52(TBBT)32 reveals that fewer methyl groups at the para-position lead to a stronger interligand π···π stacking on the Au52 core, thus restricting ligand vibrations and rotations. The emission nature is identified to be phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) based on the PL lifetime, 3O2 quenching, and temperature-dependent PL and absorption studies. The 1O2 generation efficiencies for the four Au52(SR)32 NCs follow the same trend as the observed PL performance. Overall, the highly NIR-luminescent Au52(p-MBT)32 nanocluster and the revealed mechanisms are expected to find future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Zhongyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Abhrojyoti Mazumder
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | | | - Kristin Kirschbaum
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Linda A Peteanu
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Rongchao Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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22
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Yu S, Li H, Duan Y, Xia S, Liu H, Huang H, Zhu H, Wang L, He H, Wang S. hROS-Responsive Behavior for Long-Term Stability of Cellulosic Gold Nanoclusters. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2307770. [PMID: 37963831 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the gold core-ligand interaction in gold nanoclusters (GNCs) is essential for the on-demand tailoring of their photoluminescence properties and long-term stability. Here, inspired by the suckers arranged directionally on the tentacles of octopus, a series of GNCs with regulating ligand structures are grown and stabilized on the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The carboxylated CNCs providing an electron-rich environment to promote the luminescence of GNCs and stabilize it within a long-term of 1 year through anchoring and diluting effects, and the highest quantum yields reaches 31.02% in ultrapure water. Interestingly, this bionic preparation strategy is generally applicable to various ligands for tailoring on-demand hROS-responsive and nonresponsive GNCs to construct tunable-emission wavelength dual GNCs ratiometric probes. The results show that designing a specific ligand structure to inhibit the transformation of Au-Au to Au (I)-ligand in GNCs is crucial to regulate the hROS-responsive characteristics. As expected, the interfacial compatible dual GNCs ratiometric probe with a hROS limit of detection of 0.74 µmol L-1 can diagnose certain diseases through intracellular hROS imaging. This work provides important insights for understanding the gold core-ligand interaction in GNCs during the oxidation process triggered by intracellular hROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yu
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Haoyuan Li
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Duan
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Siyuan Xia
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Huanhuan Huang
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Hongxiang Zhu
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Hui He
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Shuangfei Wang
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
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23
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Li S, Yang N, Ma Q, Li S, Tong S, Luo J, Song X, Yang H. Tailoring Oxidation Responsiveness of Gold Nanoclusters via Ligand Engineering for Imaging Acute Kidney Injury. Anal Chem 2023; 95:16153-16159. [PMID: 37877516 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have shown great promise for in vivo imaging because of their definable structure, tunable photoluminescence (PL), and desired renal clearance. However, current understanding of the responsiveness of AuNCs to biological substances is still limited, which may hamper their biomedical applications. Herein, we explore the oxidation responsiveness of near-infrared II (NIR-II) luminescent AuNCs capped with two different ligands, which can be optimized for high-efficiency NIR-II PL imaging of mice acute kidney injury (AKI) featuring high-level peroxynitrite anions (ONOO-). We found that in the presence of ONOO-, N-acetylcysteine-capped AuNCs (NAC-AuNCs) tended to be oxidized more easily than that capped with the macromolecular mercapto-β-cyclodextrin (CDS-AuNCs), resulting in the aggregation of NAC-AuNCs into large-sized assemblies, which was not observed in CDS-AuNCs. The oxidation-triggered morphology, composition, and NIR-II PL changes in NAC-AuNCs were then systematically studied. We finally demonstrated that NAC-AuNCs can be implemented for sensitive NIR-II PL imaging of mice AKI, facilitated by the synergetic in situ AuNC aggregation and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the injured kidney, which outperforms the methods solely based on the decreased GFR effect. Therefore, this work highlights the critical significance of ligand engineering in AuNCs and may motivate future design of AuNCs for diverse bioimaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihua Li
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 1# Xueyuan Road, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, China
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Nangen Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Qiuping Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Shijie Li
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Shufen Tong
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Jiewei Luo
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Xiaorong Song
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Huanghao Yang
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, 1# Xueyuan Road, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, China
- MOE Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
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24
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Wang M, Chen Y, Tang C. Recent Advances in Ligand Engineering for Gold Nanocluster Catalysis: Ligand Library, Ligand Effects and Strategies. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300463. [PMID: 37552000 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Advances in new ligands in the last decade facilitated in-depth studies on the property-relationship of gold nanoclusters and promoted the rational synthesis and related applications of such materials. Currently, more and more new ligands are being explored; thus, the ligand library of AuNCs is being expanded fast, which also enables investigation of ligand effects of AuNCs via direct comparison of different ligating shell with the identical gold core. It is now widely accepted that ligands influence the properties of AuNCs enormously including stability, catalysis, photoluminescence among others. These studies inspired ligand engineering of AuNCs. One of the goals for ligand engineering is to develop ligated AuNC catalysts in which the ligands are able to exert big-enough influence on electronic and steric control over catalysis as in a transition-metal or an enzyme system. Although increasing attention is paid to the further expansion of ligand library, the investigation of design principles and strategies regarding ligands are still in their infant stage. This review summarizes the ligands for AuNC synthesis, the ligand effects on stability and catalysis, and recently developed strategies in promoting AuNC catalytic performance via ligand manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyue Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institution National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institution National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, P. R. China
| | - Cen Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institution National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
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25
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Liu Z, Zhou M, Luo L, Wang Y, Kahng E, Jin R. Elucidating the Near-Infrared Photoluminescence Mechanism of Homometal and Doped M 25(SR) 18 Nanoclusters. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19969-19981. [PMID: 37642696 PMCID: PMC10510323 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
More than a decade of research on the photoluminescence (PL) of classic Au25(SR)18 and its doped nanoclusters (NCs) still leaves many fundamental questions unanswered due to the complex electron dynamics. Here, we revisit the homogold Au25 (ligands omitted hereafter) and doped NCs, as well as the Ag25 and doped ones, for a comparative study to disentangle the influencing factors and elucidate the PL mechanism. We find that the strong electron-vibration coupling in Au25 leads to weak PL in the near-infrared region (∼1000 nm, quantum yield QY = 1% in solution at room temperature). Heteroatom doping of Au25 with a single Cd or Hg atom strengthens the coupling of the exciton with staple vibrations but reduces the coupling with the core breathing and quadrupolar modes. The QYs of the three MAu24 NCs (M = Hg, Au, and Cd) follow a linear relation with their PL lifetimes, suggesting a mechanism of suppressed nonradiative decay in PL enhancement. In contrast, the weaker electron-vibration coupling in Ag25 leads to higher PL (QY = 3.5%), and single Au atom doping further leads to a 5× enhancement of the radiative rate and a suppression of nonradiative decay rate (i.e., twice the PL lifetime of Ag25) in AuAg24 (hence, QY 35%), but doping more Au atoms results in gold distribution to staple motifs and thus triggering of strong electron-vibration coupling as in the MAu24 NCs, hence, counteracting the radiative enhancement effect and giving rise to only 5% QY for AuxAg25-x (x = 3-10). The obtained insights will provide guidance for the design of metal NCs with high PL for lighting, sensing, and optoelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Lianshun Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Yitong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Ellen Kahng
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Rongchao Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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26
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Basu S, Perić Bakulić M, Sanader Maršić Ž, Bonačić-Koutecký V, Amdursky N. Excitation-Dependent Fluorescence with Excitation-Selective Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Hierarchically Organized Atomic Nanoclusters. ACS NANO 2023; 17:16644-16655. [PMID: 37638669 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c02846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanometer-scaled objects are known to have dimension-related properties, but sometimes the assembly of such objects can lead to the emergence of other properties. Here, we show the assembly of atomically precise gold nanoclusters into large fibrillar structures that are featuring excitation-dependent luminescence with an excitation-selective circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), even though all components are achiral. The origin of CPL in the assembly of atomic clusters has been attributed to the hierarchical organization of atomic clusters into fibrillar structures, mediated via a hydrogen bonding interaction with a surfactant. We follow the assembly process both experimentally and computationally showing the advance in the structural formation along with its chiroptical electronic properties, i.e., circular dichroism (CD) and CPL. Our study here can assist in the rational design of materials featuring chiroptical properties, thus leading to a controlled CPL activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srestha Basu
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Martina Perić Bakulić
- Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM) at Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Sciences and Technology (ICAST), University of Split, Poljička cesta 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Željka Sanader Maršić
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM) at Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Sciences and Technology (ICAST), University of Split, Poljička cesta 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Faculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM) at Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Sciences and Technology (ICAST), University of Split, Poljička cesta 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Chemistry Department, Humboldt University of Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadav Amdursky
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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27
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Silalahi RPB, Chiu TH, Liang H, Kahlal S, Saillard JY, Liu CW. A heteroleptic fused bi-cuboctahedral Cu21S2 cluster. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023. [PMID: 37464924 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02936k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
A new dicationic cluster, [Cu21S2{S2CNnBu2}9(C2Ph)6]2+, where the Cu21S2 kernel consists of two S@Cu12 cuboctahedra sharing a triangular Cu3 face is reported. Its waist part is bridged by three dithiocarbamate ligands, each in a hexaconnective, hexametallic (μ3, μ3) coordination pattern, an unprecedented feature in Cu nanocluster chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhone P Brocha Silalahi
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, No. 1, Sec. 2, Da Hsueh Rd. Shoufeng, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Tzu-Hao Chiu
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, No. 1, Sec. 2, Da Hsueh Rd. Shoufeng, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Hao Liang
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR-UMR 6226, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Samia Kahlal
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR-UMR 6226, Rennes F-35000, France
| | | | - C W Liu
- Department of Chemistry, National Dong Hwa University, No. 1, Sec. 2, Da Hsueh Rd. Shoufeng, Hualien 97401, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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28
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Tian Y, Zheng W, Zhang X, Wang Y, Xiao Y, Yao D, Zhang H. Triple Ligand Engineered Gold Nanoclusters with Enhanced Fluorescence and Device Compatibility for Efficient Electroluminescence Light-Emitting Diodes. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:4423-4430. [PMID: 37129890 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are potential emitters for electroluminescent light-emitting diodes (EL-LEDs) but restricted by the limited photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and poor device compatibility. Herein, triple ligand engineered Au NCs enable the fabrication of Au NC-based LEDs with improved EL efficiency. Rigidified triple ligand shells greatly reduce the nonradiative transition and thus increase the PLQY of Au NCs from 2.1 to 73.4%. Most importantly, this strategy significantly improves the compatibility between Au NCs and charge transport materials in EL-LED fabrication. As a result, the EL-LEDs reach a maximum brightness of 1104 cd/m2 and an external quantum efficiency of 5.1%, which is the highest recorded for any reported Au NC-based EL-LEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Weijia Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yanwei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Dong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
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29
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Pniakowska A, Samoć M, Olesiak-Bańska J. Strong fluorescence-detected two-photon circular dichroism of chiral gold nanoclusters. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:8597-8602. [PMID: 37186146 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr01091k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Progress in syntheses and understanding of the intriguing properties of chiral noble metal nanoclusters sparks interest to extend investigations of their chiroptical response to the nonlinear optics regime. We present a quantitative determination of two-photon circular dichroism of chiral gold nanoclusters with ATT and L- or D-Arg ligands (ATT = 6-aza-2-thiotymine and Arg = arginine). Introduction of arginine ligands enables the formation of two enantiomers of the nanoclusters, with strong chiroptical effects in both linear and nonlinear regime. We present two-photon absorption and luminescent properties measured in a wide range of wavelengths, with the two-photon absorption cross section reaching 1743 GM and two-photon brightness ∼1102 GM at 825 nm. We report strong, 245-fold enhancement of the two-photon circular dichroism of nanoclusters with respect to the one-photon absorption counterpart - the dissymmetry factor. The presence of multiple advantages of nanoclusters: high fluorescence quantum yield, strong nonlinear optical properties and well-controlled chirality is a powerful combination for applications of such clusters in multiphoton microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pniakowska
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marek Samoć
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Joanna Olesiak-Bańska
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
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