One- and two-photon brightness of proteins interacting with gold. A closer look at gold-insulin conjugates

Red luminophores displaying large Stokes shift and high-quantum yields are obtained when gold salts are reacted with proteins under strongly alkaline conditions. Although bovine serum albumin (BSA) has mainly been used as a protein template, other attempts to prepare red luminophores have been proposed using other proteins. Here, we report on the structural characterization and nonlinear optical properties of insulin-gold conjugates. Such conjugates display strong luminescence at ∼670 nm with quantum yields that reach 5.4%. They also display long luminescence lifetimes allowing efficient reactive oxygen species generation, with a quantum yield of 1O2 generation reaching 13%. In addition, they exhibit remarkable nonlinear optical properties and in particular a strong two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) cross section in the range of 800-1100 nm. By combining experimental studies and time-dependent density functional theory simulations (TD-DFT), we show the formation of insulin-Au(III) conjugates. The interaction of Au(III) ions with the aromatic rings of tyrosine induces charge transfer-like excitation in the visible range. Experimental investigations, together with molecular dynamics simulations of insulin and calculations of electronic properties in a model system, are performed to explore the origin of optical features and the structure-optical property relationship, leading the way to new concepts for nonlinear optics using protein-Au(III) conjugates.

Fluorescent ovalbumin-functionalized gold nanocluster as a highly sensitive and selective sensor for relay detection of salicylaldehyde, Hg(II) and folic acid

A sensitive and selective relay-based scheme for the detection of salicylaldehyde, Hg2+, and folic acid (FA) has been demonstrated using fluorescent ovalbumin functionalized gold nanoclusters (OVA-AuNCs, λem = 655 nm) in this article. The OVA-AuNCs were conjugated to salicylaldehyde via an imine linkage to form Salic_OVA-AuNCs conjugate. The molecular docking study reveals that multiple functional groups and amino acid residues are involved in the interaction between salicylaldehyde and the OVA-AuNCs. The coupling of salicylaldehyde with OVA-AuNCs results in fluorescence quenching at 655 nm and concomitant formation of an emission band at 500 nm, which have leveraged to detect salicylaldehyde down to 2.02 µM. Following that, the Salic_OVA-AuNCs has been used for the detection of Hg2+ and FA. Several processes, such as internal charge transfer (ICT), photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and metallophilic interactions, are involved between the Salic_OVA-AuNCs nanoprobe and the analytes, which allowed to detect Hg2+ and FA down to 0.13 nM and 0.11 nM, respectively. The Salic_OVA-AuNCs nanoprobe has an additional naked-eye utility when applied to paper-strip sensing strategy for Hg2+ and FA detection.

Structural and optical properties of the Agn-tyrosine complexes (n = 3-12): a density functional theory study

We study the optical properties of Agn (n = 3-12) neutral clusters and their coordination with a tyrosine (Tyr) molecule. A global search strategy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) computations explored the potential energy surface. Adsorption energy calculations predicted that Tyr coordination stabilizes the metal clusters, favouring the Agn-Tyr complexes with an even number of silver atoms. For the Agn low-lying isomers, the general shape and the major transitions of the calculated time dependent-DFT (TD-DFT) absorption spectra align with those of previous reports measured in an argon environment. We use the analysis of non-covalent interactions to identify the specific interactions between each silver cluster and functional groups of Tyr. The TD-DFT absorption spectra for the Agn-Tyr complexes showed that Tyr significantly modifies the optical properties of the coordinated silver clusters and affects the smaller systems to a greater extent. The optical absorption results of the bare Agn clusters and the Agn-Tyr complexes are compared and discussed in detail.

Hemoglobin-stabilized gold nanoclusters displaying oxygen transport ability, self-antioxidation, auto-fluorescence properties and long-term storage potential

The development of hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) holds a lot of potential to overcome important drawbacks of donor blood such as a short shelf life or the potential risk of infection. However, a crucial limitation of current HBOCs is the autoxidation of Hb into methemoglobin (metHb), which lacks oxygen-carrying capacity. Herein, we address this challenge by fabricating a Hb and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) composite (Hb@AuNCs) which preserves the exceptional features of both systems. Specifically, the Hb@AuNCs retain the oxygen-transporting properties of Hb, while the AuNCs provide antioxidant functionality as shown by their ability to catalytically deplete harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, these ROS-scavenging properties translate into antioxidant protection by minimizing the autoxidation of Hb into non-functional metHb. Furthermore, the AuNCs render Hb@AuNCs with auto-fluorescence properties which could potentially allow them to be monitored once administered into the body. Last but not least, these three features (i.e., oxygen transport, antioxidant and fluorescence properties) are well maintained following storage as a freeze-dried product. Thus, overall, the as-prepared Hb@AuNCs hold the potential to be used as a multifunctional blood surrogate in the near future.

A novel polypeptide-modified fluorescent gold nanoclusters for copper ion detection

Biomolecule-functionalized fluorescent gold nanocluster (AuNCs) have attracted a lot of attention due to good biocompatibility, stable physicochemical properties and considerable cost advantages. Inappropriate concentration of Cu²⁺ may cause a variety of diseases. In this study, AuNCs were synthesized in alkaline aqueous solution using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a template. And then, the peptide CCYWDAHRDY was coupled to AuNCs. Furthermore, the fluorescence of synthesized CCYWDAHRDY-AuNCs response to Cu²⁺ was evaluated. As the results shown that the CCYWDAHRDY-AuNCs can sensitively detect Cu²⁺. After adding Cu²⁺ to the probe system, the fluorescence of the CCYWDAHRDY-AuNCs was quenched. The detection conditions were at pH 6 and 30 °C for 10 min, the linear relationship between Cu²⁺ concentration and fluorescence intensity were good in the range of 0.1 ~ 4.2 μmol/L. The regression equation was y = − 105.9x + 693.68, the linear correlation coefficient is 0.997, and the minimum detection limit was 52 nmol/L.

Advancements in cell membrane camouflaged nanoparticles: A bioinspired platform for cancer therapy

The idea of employing natural cell membranes as a coating medium for nanoparticles (NPs) endows man-made vectors with natural capabilities and benefits. In addition to retaining the physicochemical characteristics of the NPs, the biomimetic NPs also have the functionality of source cell membranes. It has emerged as a promising approach to enhancing the properties of NPs for drug delivery, immune evasion, imaging, cancer-targeting, and phototherapy sensitivity. Several studies have been reported with a multitude of approaches to reengineering the surface of NPs using biological membranes. Owing to their low immunogenicity and intriguing biomimetic properties, cell-membrane-based biohybrid delivery systems have recently gained a lot of interest as therapeutic delivery systems. This review summarises different kinds of biomimetic NPs reported so far, their fabrication aspects, and their application in the biomedical field. Finally, it briefs on the latest advances available in this biohybrid concept.

Common Motif at the Red Luminophore in Bovine Serum Albumin-, Ovalbumin-, Trypsin-, and Insulin-Gold Complexes

We examined the static and dynamic characters of the red luminescence in the protein-Au(III) compounds, directly comparing multiple proteins: BSA, OVA, trypsin, and insulin. These four protein-Au(III) complexes showed a nearly identical excitation-emission pattern, not only the wavelength of luminescence (λ_em ∼ 640 nm). Lifetimes of the red luminescence shared a common value of ∼300 ns. Kinetics of the luminophore formation was consistently described by a Langmuir-type chemisorption of Au(III) for these proteins, coinciding with the protein conformation change at pH ∼ 10. These observations and the protein structural analyses support that the red luminophore formation involves Au(III) coordination to a common motif within these proteins.

Advances in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of protein-stabilized gold nanoclusters

The interest in using gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) as imaging probes is growing, covering wide ranges of applications. The stabilization of AuNCs with protein ligands enhances their biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. This is due to the biocompatibility, water solubility and bioactivity of proteins. Different factors can control the optical properties of AuNCs such as protein size, amino acids content and conformational structure. Controlling the synthesis conditions can result in tuning the AuNCs excitation, emission, fluorescence intensity and physicochemical properties to fulfill different applications. NIR-emitting protein-stabilized AuNCs are promising as imaging agents for targeting and visualization of cancer in vitro and in vivo. They are promising to be included as an important part of multifunctional theranostic nanosystems, due to their potential dual functions as imaging and photosensitizing agent for photodynamic therapy. Additionally, the protein around AuNCs represents a rich environment of active functional groups that are susceptible for conjugation with various biomolecules. Protein-AuNCs can act as fluorescent probes for rapid and selective analysis of different analytes in solution, cells or biological fluids. In conclusion, the variability of protein-AuNC applications can advance research in different biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.

Natural protein-templated fluorescent gold nanoclusters: Syntheses and applications

For the past decades, the synthesis of metal nanoclusters has been a great interest for research, for their unique physicochemical properties and great contributions to the catalytic, electrical and biomedical applications. Protein-templated gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) is a kind of fluorescent nanomaterials with good solubility, excellent stability, biocompatibility, decent quantum yields and active groups (-COOH, -NH₂) for facilitating modifications. Natural proteins are easily available, commercially affordable, diverse and multitudinous in animals, plants and foods, which provide a template pool for the exploration of AuNCs. This is one of the few reviews of specifically focusing on the natural protein-templated fluorescent AuNCs. The syntheses, properties and applications of different AuNCs were enumerated. Prospects were given on utilizing structure-modified proteins, bioactive enzymes, antibodies which should endow the AuNCs more favourable fluorescence performances and functional characteristics. The applications of AuNCs in analytical, biomedical and food sciences would be further heightened.

Insulin-copper quantum clusters preparation and receptor targeted bioimaging

Protein embedded fluorescence quantum clusters (QCs) have received a great amount of interest among the researchers because of their high aqueous solubility, stability, cost efficiency, and target specificity. Considerable advancement has happened in making functional quantum clusters with target specificity. This work reports the simple synthesis of insulin protected copper quantum clusters (ICuQCs) and its receptor-targeted bioimaging applications. The preparation of copper quantum clusters (CuQCs) was done simply by one-pot synthesis method by changing the pH of the insulin protein firstly to 10.5 basic pH than physiological pH. At physiological pH, the mixture incubated in oven 37 ⁰C at 240 rpm has been developed to process initially polydisperse, non-fluorescent, and unstable CuDs into monodispersed (∼2-3 nm), highly fluorescent, and extremely stable ICuQCs in the same phase (aqueous) using insulin as protein. HRTEM image show uniform distribution of CuDs within the protein matrix. Metal ion binding site prediction and docking server (MIB) results show that chain B of insulin contains 3 templates contains 5 amino acid residues which bind with Cu²⁺ metal ion. Groove 1 contains GLY8 and HIS10 bind has the highest binding potential towards Cu metal ions. The methodology adopted in this study should largely contribute to the practical applications of this new class of QCs. In view of the protein protection, coupled with direct synthesis and easy functionalization, this hybrid QC-protein system is expected to have numerous optical and bioimaging applications in the future.

The assembly of protein-templated gold nanoclusters for enhanced fluorescence emission and multifunctional applications

Protein-templated gold nanoclusters have attracted attention in fluorescence imaging due to their simple synthesis and good biocompatibility. However, limitations still exist such as poor colloid stability and undesirable fluorescence intensity. Here we describe the self-assembly of keratin-templated gold nanoclusters via a simple and mild preparation process, including keratin-templated synthesis of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs@Keratin), silver ions modification of AuNCs@Keratin (AuNCs-Ag@Keratin), and gadolinium ions-induced aggregation of AuNCs-Ag@Keratin (AuNCs-Ag@Keratin-Gd). It was demonstrated that the AuNCs-Ag@Keratin-Gd obtained an enhanced fluorescence intensity (6.5 times that of AuNCs@Keratin), high colloid stability for more than 4 months, and good biocompatibility. Moreover, the AuNCs-Ag@Keratin-Gd holds promise in multifunctional applications such as near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and redox-responsive drug delivery, extending the applicability of fluorescent gold nanoclusters, especially in biomedical fields. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Assembly-induced fluorescence enhancement has been rarely reported on as it relates to the protein-templated gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). In this work, self-assembly of protein-templated AuNCs was developed for enhanced fluorescence intensity and multifunctional applications, including bioimaging and responsive drug delivery. A cysteine-rich protein, keratin, was utilized as the template to synthesize AuNCs, which underwent silver ion modification and gadolinium ion-induced aggregation. The silver modification of the keratin-templated AuNCs facilitated the formation of a dense aggregate after gadolinium ion-induced assembly, thus generating an enhanced fluorescence intensity. Such a mechanism was confirmed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy analysis. We believe that this work will extend the applicability of the fluorescent gold nanoclusters, especially in biomedical fields, and provided an effective approach for the mechanism analysis of the assembly-induced fluorescence enhancement via fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

Ultrasmall Au nanoclusters for biomedical and biosensing applications: A mini-review

Gold (Au) nanoclusters with diameters less than 2 nm are attracting increasing attention due to their unique size-dependent physicochemical properties which include strong luminescence and excellent biocompatibility. Accordingly, Au nanoclusters are now becoming essential in biomedical research for bioimaging, biosensing, quantitative analysis of protein and ion detection. In this mini review, the luminescence mechanism and biosynthesis of Au nanoclusters is systematically explored, followed by a brief survey of Au nanoclusters applications across the biomedical sector. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of biological molecules such as proteins, peptides and low molecular weight organic compounds in the synthesis of small luminescent Au nanoclusters, either as templates or surface capping agents. Successful strategies for applying luminescent Au nanoclusters in bioimaging and biosensing are also summarized. Future areas for Au nanocluster utilization in biomedical research are briefly discussed.

Protein-Localized Bright-Red Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters as Cyanide-Selective Colorimetric and Fluorometric Nanoprobes

Herein, we describe a bright-red-emitting ovalbumin-protected gold nanoclusters (OVA-AuNCs) that were prepared and applied as a luminescent probe for a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive determination of cyanide ions (CN- ions) based on an emission quenching and colorimetric method. Initially, an intense red-emissive fluorescence of the OVA-AuNCs successfully disappeared upon the addition of CN- ions. The resultant emission-quenching process involved CN- ions etching the OVA-AuNC surface, which produced AuCN2 - complexes in the presence of ambient oxygen. Under optimized experimental conditions, the relative emission intensity is inversely relative to CN- ion concentrations ranging from 5.00 × 10-7 to 75.00 × 10-7 mol/L with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.9932. Furthermore, OVA-AuNC-based optical detection systems on both colorimetric and fluorometric assays were tested, which expose highly sensitive and specific determination of CN- ions, and it is easily visualized by the naked eye (day light and UV light). Because of the distinct Elsner reaction between Au atoms of OVA-AuNCs and CN- ions, the recent nanoprobe offered ultrasensitivity and good selectivity with the lowest limit of detection value of 68.00 × 10-9 mol/L. In addition, this fluorescence "turn-off" CN- ion detection method was executed in real water samples. The demonstrated route of OVA-AuNC preparation is extremely easy and quick, making the proposed selective and sensitive CN- ion sensing assay based on the fluorescence response of the OVA-AuNCs for numerous practical applications.

Chicken Egg White-stabilized Au Nanoclusters for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Hg(II)

In this paper, chicken egg white purchased from a local market without further purification was directly used to prepare fluorescent gold nanoclusters through a one-step, simple, fast and green synthesis approach for analytical purposes. The as-prepared chicken egg white stabilized gold nanocluster probe has strong red fluorescence emission, which can be quenched by mercury ions and copper ions sensitively. By using an ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) masking method, mercury ions in the range from 0.60 to 10 μM can be linearly detected with the limit of detection (LOD, 3σ) of 0.510 μM in the presence of equivalent copper ions. Since the preparation of a chicken egg white stabilized gold nanocluster probe is fast, easy and cheap, this selective analytical method for mercury pollution monitoring in environmental waters may be widely used in daily life by ordinary people.

Tuning of gold nanoclusters sensing applications with bovine serum albumin and bromelain for detection of Hg2+ ion and lambda-cyhalothrin via fluorescence turn-off and on mechanisms

Herein, fluorescent gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were obtained by one-pot synthetic method using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and bromelain as templates. As-synthesized fluorescent Au NCs were stable and showed bright red fluorescence under UV lamp at 365 nm. The fluorescent Au NCs exhibit the emission intensity at 648 nm when excited at 498 nm. Various techniques were used such as spectroscopy (UV-visible, fluorescence, and Fourier-transform infrared), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering for the characterization of fluorescent Au NCs. The values of I₀/I at 648 nm are proportional to the concentrations of Hg²⁺ ion in the range from 0.00075 to 5.0 μM and of lambda-cyhalothrin in the range from 0.01 to 10 μM with detection limits of 0.0003 and 0.0075 μM for Hg²⁺ ion and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The practical application of the probe was successfully demonstrated by analyzing Hg²⁺ ion and lambda-cyhalothrin in water samples. In addition, Au NCs used as probes for imaging of Simplicillium fungal cells. These results indicated that the as-synthesized Au NCs have proven to be promising fluorescent material for the sensing of Hg²⁺ ion and lambda-cyhalothrin in environmental and for imaging of microorganism cells in biomedical applications.

Chitosan-Stabilized Self-Assembled Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters for Cell Imaging and Biodistribution in Vivo

Biocompatible, near-infrared luminescent gold nanoclusters were synthesized in situ using as-prepared chitosan grafted with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC-CS). The fluorescent gold nanoclusters coated with chitosan-N-acetyl-l-cysteine (AuNCs@NAC-CS) were aggregated by multiple ultrasmall gold nanoclusters closing with each other, with strong fluorescence emission at 680 nm upon excitation at 360 nm. AuNCs@NAC-CS did not display any appreciable cytotoxicity on cells even at a concentration of 1.0 mg mL^-1. AuNCs@NAC-CS were more insensitive to H₂O₂ and trypsin compared with fluorescent gold nanoclusters coated with Albumin Bovine V (AuNCs@BSA), which make them have long time imaging in HeLa cells. Furthermore, the obvious fluorescence signal of AuNCs@NAC-CS appeared in the liver and kidney of the normal mice after 6 h injection. And the fluorescence intensity decreased after that because of the highly efficient clearance characteristics of ultrasmall nanoparticles. These findings demonstrated that AuNCs@NAC-CS possessed good fluorescence, low cytotoxicity, and low sensitivity to some content of cells, allowing imaging of the living cells.

Highly fluorescent gold nanoclusters stabilized by food proteins: From preparation to application in detection of food contaminants and bioactive nutrients

Applications of nanotechnology in food have rapidly increased in the past decades. Ultra-small gold nanoclusters (Au NCs), composed of several to roughly a hundred atoms, represent a kind of novel nanomaterials. The Au NCs directed by food proteins have drawn considerable research attention due to their environment-friendly preparation, strong fluorescence, excellent photo-stability, and favorable biocompatibility. These interesting protein-Au hybrids have opened up a new area at the nano-bio-food interface, not only did they provide the missing link between single metal atoms and plasmonic metal nanoparticles, but also developed the hybrid system between biomacromolecule and inorganic ions. In this review, we highlighted the synthesis strategies and optical properties of the Au NCs stabilized by typical food proteins as well as their applications in detection of food contaminants or bioactive nutrients. In addition, we discussed current challenges and future development in food proteins- directed gold nanoclusters for size-controlled synthesis and multifunctional applications.

Protein/peptide-templated biomimetic synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Currently, protein/peptide-based biomimetic mineralization has been demonstrated to be an efficient and promising strategy for synthesis of inorganic/metal nanoparticles (NPs) for bioapplications.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of BSA-stabilised gold nanoclusters for the sensitive and selective detection of lead(ii) and melamine in aqueous solution

MW-assisted synthesis of fluorescent BSA-AuNCs for the turn-off sensing of Pb(ii) and turn-on sensing of melamine.