A universal design for a DNA probe providing ratiometric fluorescence detection by generation of silver nanoclusters

Fluorescent DNA-Silver nanoclusters in food safety detection: From synthesis to application

In recent years, the conventional preparation of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) has attracted much attention due to their ultra-small size, tunable fluorescence, easy-to-engineer, as well as biocompatible material. Moreover, its great affinity towards cytosine bases on single-stranded DNA has led to the construction of biosensors, especially aptamers, for a broad variety of applications in food safety and environmental protection. In past years, numerous researchers paid attention to the construction of AgNCs aptasensor. Therefore, this review will be an effort to summarize the synthetic strategy along with the influences of factors on synthesis, categorize the sensing mechanism of aptamer-functionalized AgNCs biosensors, as well as their specific applications in food safety detection including heavy metal, toxin, and foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, a brief conclusion and outlook regarding the prospects and challenges of their applications in food safety were drawn in line with the developments in DNA-AgNCs.

Ratiometric Fluorescence Biosensing of Tandem Biemissive Ag Clusters Boosted by Confined Catalytic DNA Assembly

The reaction kinetics and yield of traditional DNA assembly with a low local concentration in homogeneous solution remain challenging. Exploring confined catalytic DNA assembly (CCDA) is intriguing to boost the reaction rate and efficacy for creating rapid and sensitive biosensing platforms. A rolling circle amplification (RCA) product containing multiple tandem repeats is a natural scaffold capable of guiding the periodic assembly of customized functional probes at precise sites. Here, we present a RCA-confined CCDA strategy to speed up amplifiable conversion for ratiometric fluorescent sensing of a sequence-specific inducer (I*) by using string green-/red-Ag clusters (sgAgCs and srAgCs) as two counterbalance emitters. Upon recognition of I*, CCDA events are operated by two toehold-mediated strand displacements and localized in repetitive units, thereby releasing I* for recycled signal amplification in the as-grown RCA concatemer. The local concentration of reactive species is increased to facilitate rapider dsDNA complex assembly and more efficient input-output conversion, on which the clustering template sequences of sgAgCs and srAgCs are blocked and opened, enabling srAgCs synthesis but opposite to sgAgCs. Thus, the fluorescence emission of srAgCs goes up, while sgAgCs go down. With the resultant ratio featuring inherent built-in correction, rapid, sensitive, and accurate quantification of I* at the picomolar level is achieved. Benefiting from efficient RCA confinement to enhance reaction kinetics and conversion yield, this CCDA-based strategy provides a new paradigm for developing simple and diverse biosensing methodologies.

In-situ quantification of lipids in live cells through imaging approaches

Lipids are important molecules that are widely distributed within the cell, and they play a crucial role in several biological processes such as cell membrane formation, signaling, cell motility and division. Monitoring the spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular lipids in real-time and quantifying their concentrations in situ is crucial since the local concentration of lipids initiates various signaling pathways that regulate cellular processes. In this review, we first introduced the historical background of lipid quantification methods. We then delve into the current state of the art of in situ lipid quantification, including the establishment and utility of fluorescence imaging techniques based on sensors of lipid-binding domains labeled with organic dyes or fluorescent proteins, and Raman and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that do not require lipid labeling. Next, we highlighted the biological applications of live-cell lipid quantification techniques in the study of in situ lipid distribution, lipid transformation, and lipid-mediated signaling pathways. Finally, we discussed the technical challenges and prospects for the development of lipid quantification in live cells, with the aim of promoting the development of in situ lipid quantification in live cells, which may have a profound impact on the biological and medical fields.

One-step hydrothermal synthesis of near-infrared emission carbon quantum dots as fluorescence aptamer sensor for cortisol sensing and imaging

Fluorescence carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been widely applied to sensing and bioimaging. In this paper, near-infrared carbon quantum dots (NIR-CQDs) were prepared through a simple one-step hydrothermal approach using reduced glutathione and formamide as raw materials. Based on NIR-CQDs, aptamer (Apt) and graphene oxide (GO) has been applied to fluorescence sensing cortisol. NIR-CQDs-Apt adsorbed to the surface of GO through π-π stacking and an inner filter effect (IFE) occurred between NIR-CQDs-Apt and GO leading to NIR-CQDs-Apt fluorescence "off". The IFE process is disrupted in the presence of cortisol, allowing NIR-CQDs-Apt fluorescence "on". This led us to construct a detection method with excellent selectivity over other cortisol sensors. The sensor can detect cortisol from 0.4 to 500 nM and has a detection limit as low as 0.13 nM. Importantly, this sensor can be used to detect intracellular cortisol with excellent biocompatibility and cellular imaging capabilities, which is promising for biosensing.

Amplifiable ratiometric fluorescence biosensing of nanosilver multiclusters populated in three-way-junction DNA branches

To explore the fluorescence bio-responsiveness of emissive silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) populated in DNA-branched scaffolds is intriguing yet challenging. In response to a desired targeting model (T*) as a vehicle, herein a customized three-way-junction DNA construct (TWJDC) is assembled via competitive hybridizing cascade among three stem-loop hairpins with specific base sequences, where the repeated recycling of T* enables the exponentially amplifiable output of rigid TWJDC. As designed, these stable hybridization products are highly T*-stimulated responsive and constructing-directional. In the three branched-arms, the unpaired sticky ends provide isotropic binding sites for a signaling hairpin encoded with two C-rich templates of green- and red-AgNCs clustering. The identical ligation of signal probe with three arms of TWJDC liberates its locked stem, enabling the separate growth of red-clusters in three branches. As demonstrated, three clusters of red-AgNCs possess advantageous self-enhancing fluorescent performance relative to single or two cluster(s), good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. Utilizing the bicolor AgNCs as dual-emitters with reversely changed emission intensity, we developed an innovative ratiometric strategy displaying sensitively linear dose-dependence on variable T* down to 1.9 pM, which can afford a promising platform for biosensing, bioanalysis, cell imaging, or even clinical theranostics.

The Application of Nucleic Acid Probe-Based Fluorescent Sensing and Imaging in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

It is well known that cancer incidence and death rates have been growing, but the development of cancer theranostics and therapeutics has been a challenging work. Recently, nucleic acid probe-based fluorescent sensing and imaging have achieved remarkable improvements in a variety of cancer management techniques, credited to their high sensitivity, good tolerance to interference, fast detection, and high versatility. Herein, nucleic acid probe-based fluorescent sensing and imaging are labeled with advanced fluorophores, which are essential for fast and sensitive detection of aberrant nucleic acids and other cancer-relevant molecules, consequently performing cancer early diagnosis and targeted treatment. In this review, we introduce the characteristics of nucleic acid probes, summarize the development of nucleic acid probe-based fluorescent sensing and imaging, and prominently elaborate their applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment. In discussion, some challenges and perspectives are elaborated in the field of nucleic acid probe-based fluorescent sensing and imaging.

A ratiometric fluorescence assay for bleomycin based on dual-emissive chameleon DNA-templated silver nanoclusters

The authors design dual-emissive DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) for ratiometric fluorescence sensing bleomycin (BLM) for the first time. A hairpin probe containing two different C-rich DNA templates at two terminals is used to synthesize chameleon DNA-AgNCs, which possess two emission peaks when they are in close proximity. A strong emission is founded at 622 nm (λex = 570 nm) while a weak one is located at 572 nm (λex = 504 nm). Meanwhile, the loop of this probe contains the scission site (5'-GC-3') of BLM. The loop can be cleaved into two parts by BLM-Fe(II) complex, inducing the two DNA-AgNCs away from each other. The fluorescence intensity at 572 nm and 622 nm increases and decreases, respectively. Such chameleon DNA-AgNCs exhibit an obvious fluorescence discoloration from orange to yellow. Therefore, a sensitive ratiometric fluorescent strategy for BLM detection has been proposed with the detection limit of 67 pM. Finally, this ratiometric method is used to detect BLM in serum samples.

Promiscuous dye binding by a light-up aptamer: application for label-free multi-wavelength biosensing

Light-up DNA aptamers are promising label-free signal-transducers for biosensing applications due to their high chemical stability and low synthetic cost. Herein, we demonstrate that a dapoxyl DNA aptamer DAP-10-42 can be converted into a sensor generating a fluorescence signal at different wavelengths in the range of 500-660 nm depending on the dye that is present. This results from the discovered promiscuity of DAP-10-42 in binding fluorogenic dyes including arylmethane dyes. We have designed a split DAP-10-42 aptasensor for the detection of a katG gene fragment from Mycobacterium tuberculosis with a point mutation causing isoniazid resistance. Efficient interrogation of the gene fragment after nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) is achieved directly in a protein-containing NASBA sample. This report lays a foundation for the application of the DAP-10-42 aptamer as a versatile sensing platform.

Structure and luminescence of DNA-templated silver clusters

DNA serves as a versatile template for few-atom silver clusters and their organized self-assembly. These clusters possess unique structural and photophysical properties that are programmed into the DNA template sequence, resulting in a rich palette of fluorophores which hold promise as chemical and biomolecular sensors, biolabels, and nanophotonic elements. Here, we review recent advances in the fundamental understanding of DNA-templated silver clusters (Ag N -DNAs), including the role played by the silver-mediated DNA complexes which are synthetic precursors to Ag N -DNAs, structure-property relations of Ag N -DNAs, and the excited state dynamics leading to fluorescence in these clusters. We also summarize the current understanding of how DNA sequence selects the properties of Ag N -DNAs and how sequence can be harnessed for informed design and for ordered multi-cluster assembly. To catalyze future research, we end with a discussion of several opportunities and challenges, both fundamental and applied, for the Ag N -DNA research community. A comprehensive fundamental understanding of this class of metal cluster fluorophores can provide the basis for rational design and for advancement of their applications in fluorescence-based sensing, biosciences, nanophotonics, and catalysis.

Large-scale investigation of the effects of nucleobase sequence on fluorescence excitation and Stokes shifts of DNA-stabilized silver clusters

DNA-stabilized silver clusters (AgN-DNAs) exhibit diverse sequence-programmed fluorescence, making these tunable nanoclusters promising sensors and bioimaging probes. Recent advances in the understanding of AgN-DNA structures and optical properties have largely relied on detailed characterization of single species isolated by chromatography. Because most AgN-DNAs are unstable under chromatography, such studies do not fully capture the diversity of these clusters. As an alternative method, we use high-throughput synthesis and spectroscopy to measure steady state Stokes shifts of hundreds of AgN-DNAs. Steady state Stokes shift is of interest because its magnitude is determined by energy relaxation processes which may be sensitive to specific cluster geometry, attachment to the DNA template, and structural engagement of solvent molecules. We identify 305 AgN-DNA samples with single-peaked emission and excitation spectra, a characteristic of pure solutions and single emitters, which thus likely contain a dominant emissive AgN-DNA species. Steady state Stokes shifts of these samples vary widely, are in agreement with values reported for purified clusters, and are several times larger than for typical organic dyes. We then examine how DNA sequence selects AgN-DNA excitation energies and Stokes shifts, comment on possible mechanisms for energy relaxation processes in AgN-DNAs, and discuss how differences in AgN-DNA structure and DNA conformation may result in the wide distribution of optical properties observed here. These results may aid computational studies seeking to understand the fluorescence process in AgN-DNAs and the relations of this process to AgN-DNA structure.

Development of dual-emission cluster of Ag atoms for genetically modified organisms detection

A DNA-silver nanocluster with two distinct emissions is devised, in which this unique modality has been exploited to develop a novel nanosensor for transgenic DNA detection. TEM and fluorescence analysis revealed the formation of Ag nanoclusters with a size of around 2 nm, which exhibit dual-emissions at 550 nm (green) and 630 nm (red). Moreover, in the presence of the target sequence (CaMV 35S promoter) from the transgenic plant, the nanoclusters showed an enhancement in the green emission and a reduction in the red emission. This property provided a ratiometric-sensing platform which lacks unavoidable noises. The ratio of green to red fluorescence emission (G/R) of the nanoclusters exhibited a linear relation with the target concentration in the range 10 to 1000 nM. However, the control DNA did not affect this ratio, which clearly confirmed the selective response of the designed nanosensor. This sensing platform had a detection limit of 1.5 nM and identified the DNA of transgenic soybeans within a short time. The mechanistic evaluation of the nanoclusters further revealed the role of protonated cytosine bases in the dual emission behavior. Finally, unique features of the designed nanosensor may improve the current approaches for the development and manufacturing of GMO detection tools.

Shell-Isolated Nanoparticle-Enhanced Luminescence of Metallic Nanoclusters

Metallic nanoclusters (NCs) have molecular-like structures and unique physical and chemical properties, making them an interesting new class of luminescent nanomaterials with various applications in chemical sensing, bioimaging, optoelectronics, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. However, weak photoluminescence (PL) limits the practical applications of NCs. Herein, an effective and facile strategy of enhancing the PL of NCs was developed using Ag shell-isolated nanoparticle (Ag SHIN)-enhanced luminescence platforms with tuned SHINs shell thicknesses. 3D-FDTD theoretical calculations along with femtosecond transient absorption and fluorescence decay measurements were performed to elucidate the enhancement mechanisms. Maximum enhancements of up to 231-fold for the [Au₇Ag₈(C≡C^tBu)₁₂]⁺ cluster and 126-fold for DNA-templated Ag NCs (DNA-Ag NCs) were achieved. We evidenced a novel and versatile method of achieving large PL enhancements with NCs with potential for practical biosensing applications for identifying target DNA in ultrasensitive surface analysis.

Targeted DNA-driven catalytic assembly light-up ratiometric fluorescence of biemissive silver nanoclusters for amplified biosensing

We report a ratiometric fluorescence strategy using biemissive silver nanoclusters that are harbored in a functional hairpin beacon for rapid, specific and sensitive detection of specific HIV-related DNA as a model.

A versatile single-molecule counting-based platform by generation of fluorescent silver nanoclusters for sensitive detection of multiple nucleic acids

The good photostability and strong brightness of individual DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) have been confirmed by single-molecule imaging in this work and DNA-AgNCs as a new class of outstanding fluorophores are applied in the construction of single-molecule counting-based probes for the first time. Based on the fluorescent AgNC-generating molecular beacons (AgNC-MBs), we present a versatile method for simultaneous analysis of multiple nucleic acids. Distinct from previous designs in which a AgNC stabilizing sequence is incorporated into the stem of a hairpin DNA to form the AgNC-MB, we prepared a nicked MB in which the AgNC stabilizing sequence is hybridized with the longer stem of a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with a stem-loop structure. Our proposed AgNC-MB is activated by probe-target hybridization then releasing the AgNC stabilizing sequence via a toehold-mediated strand displacement reaction, the versatility of which has been greatly improved because bases in the target-binding region are not involved in the formation of DNA-AgNCs. As a proof of concept, the simultaneous detection of two breast cancer-related MicroRNAs (miR-21 and let-7a miRNA) has been achieved with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF)-based imaging and the detection sensitivity of our method has been demonstrated to be improved by at least two orders of magnitude compared with conventional AgNC-MBs. Furthermore, in the single-nucleotide mutation identification assay, the simultaneous detection strategy introduces a competitive reaction between the two probe-target hybridizations, resulting in the excellent discrimination ability of the AgNC-MB sensing platform and the mutant-type targets can be successfully detected at low abundance. The new AgNC-MB sensing platform demonstrated potential to make AgNCs an attractive alternative to conventional organic dyes for single-molecule studies.

Plasmon-Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence of Silver Nanoclusters for microRNA Detection

Surface plasmon-enhanced electrochemiluminescence (SPEECL) with excellent sensitivity and simplicity has attracted increasing attention. In this work, we reported a novel SPEECL with DNA templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) as ECL emitters and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) source. The SPEECL with DNA-AgNCs as ECL luminophores possessed low toxicity and avoided the labeling process, which is favorable for its further sensing application. In addition, by investigation of the SPEECL under different distances between DNA-AgNCs and AuNPs, it was demonstrated that the SPEECL was distance dependent. Meanwhile, the SPEECL intensity changed with the sizes and interdistance of AuNPs under different electrodeposition time. Furthermore, by the combination of a cyclic amplification process with enzyme-free catalytic hairpin DNA, a sensitive SPEECL biosensor was proposed for the detection of microRNA (miRNA-21) successfully with a wide linear range from 1 aM to 10⁴ fM and a relatively low detection limit of 0.96 aM, which was applied in the detection of miRNA-21 in real samples with satisfying results. This novel, simple, sensitive, and selective SPEECL with label-free and low-toxic ECL emitters displayed a great potential for bioassay application.

Ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobes for visual detection: Design principles and recent advances - A review

Signal generation techniques for visual detection of analytes have received a great deal of attention in various sensing fields. These approaches are considered to be advantageous when instrumentation cannot be employed, such as for on-site assays, point-of-care tests, and he althcare diagnostics in resource-constrained areas. Amongst various visual detection approaches explored for non-invasive quantitative measurements, ratiometric fluorescence sensing has received particular attention as a potential method to overcome the limitations of intensity-based probes. This technique relies on changes in the intensity of two or more emission bands (induced by an analyte), resulting in an effective internal referencing which improves the sensitivity of the detection. The self-calibration, together with the unique optophysical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) have made the ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobes more sensitive and reliable, which in turn, can result in more precise visual detection of the analytes. Over the past few years, a vast number of ratiometric sensing probes using nanostructured fluorophores have been designed and reported for a wide variety of sensing, imaging, and biomedical applications. In this work, a review on the NP-based ratiometric fluorescent sensors has been presented to meticulously elucidate their development, advances and challenges. With a special emphasis on visual detection, the most important steps in the design of fluorescent ratiometric nanoprobes have been given and based on different classes of analytes, recent applications of fluorescent ratiometric nanoprobes have been summarized. The challenges for the future use of the technique investigated in this review have been also discussed.

One-step synthesis of red/green dual-emissive carbon dots for ratiometric sensitive ONOO- probing and cell imaging

The synthesis of dual-emissive carbon dots (CDs) with a longer emission wavelength by using a facile strategy is of great importance for the fabrication of ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobes. Herein, red/green dual-emissive carbon dots (RGDE CDs) were synthesized in one step using 2,5-diaminotoluene sulfate (DATS) as a carbon source. The as-prepared RGDE CDs not only exhibited dual emission fluorescence peaks (525 nm, 603 nm) at the single excitation wavelength of 370 nm, but also possessed good water solubility and excellent fluorescence stability. Moreover, the as-prepared RGDE CDs could be directly utilized as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for the determination of trace ONOO- due to the electron transfer process from ONOO- to the excited RGDE CDs. Under optimal conditions, the linear range was 0.03-60 μM with the limit of detection of 11.6 nM. Importantly, this RGDE CD probe could be applied for the detection of intracellular ONOO- with excellent biocompatibility and cellular imaging capability, indicating great promise in biomedical applications.

DNA-Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters as Specific, Ratiometric Fluorescent Dopamine Sensors

Neurotransmitters are small molecules that orchestrate complex patterns of brain activity. Unfortunately, there exist few sensors capable of directly detecting individual neurotransmitters. Those sensors that do exist are either unspecific or fail to capture the temporal or spatial dynamics of neurotransmitter release. DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters (DNA-AgNCs) are a new class of biocompatible, fluorescent nanostructures that have recently been shown to offer promise as biosensors. In this work, we identify two different DNA sequences that form dopamine-sensitive nanoclusters. We demonstrate that each sequence supports two distinct DNA-AgNCs capable of providing specific, ratiometric fluorescent sensing of dopamine concentration in vitro. DNA-Ag nanoclusters therefore offer a novel, low-cost approach to quantification of dopamine, creating the potential for real-time monitoring in vivo.

DNA metallization: principles, methods, structures, and applications

This review summarizes the research activities on DNA metallization since the concept was first proposed in 1998, covering the principles, methods, structures, and applications.

Estimation of postmortem interval by vitreous potassium evaluation with a novel fluorescence aptasensor

Estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is a central role in medico-legal identification. Analysis of vitreous potassium ions (K⁺) concentration is frequently used by forensic workers to estimate PMI. This paper describes interdisciplinary research to introduce fluorescence sensing techniques into forensic medicine. On the basis of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) probe stabilized by DNA, a simple and highly sensitive fluorescence aptasensor has been proposed to selectively detect K⁺ ions. The linear range for K⁺ ions was found to be 0.1 nM-1 mM, with limit of detection of 0.06 nM. Moreover, 63 vitreous humour cases within 36 h after death were further studied to verify the utility of K⁺ ions in estimating the PMI. By the fluorescence aptasensor method, a new formula was built to determine the postmortem interval based on K⁺ ions concentration: PMI(h) = −0.55 + 1.66 × C_K⁺(r = 0.791). And the real significance of this research was demonstrated by additional 6 cases with known PMIs. In comparison with the conventional method, the presented aptasensor strategy is cost-effective and easy in measuring vitreous K⁺, which may be potentially a better way for estimation of PMI in medico-legal practice.

Surface-controlled preparation of EuWO4(OH) nanobelts and their hybrid with Au nanoparticles as a novel enzyme-free sensing platform towards hydrogen peroxide

EuWO₄(OH) nanobelts were synthesized for the first time via a thiourea-assisted hydrothermal reaction. The nanobelts were further hybridized with Au nanoparticles (NPs) and showed excellent performance in H₂O₂ detection, due to both the enzyme-mimic catalytic properties of Au NPs and the radical responsive -OH groups on the EuWO₄(OH) nanobelt surfaces.

DNA nanomachine-based regenerated sensing platform: a novel electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer strategy for ultra-high sensitive detection of microRNA from cancer cells

The construction of DNA nanomachines holds great significance in the development of DNA nanostructures; however, the real application of nanomachines is still in its early stage. Moreover, one-step regenerated sensing platforms for the detection of biomarkers in the current research remain a practical challenge. Herein, a novel electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ERET) strategy between Alexa Flour 488 (AF 488), which is a type of small molecule dye, as the donor and CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs) as the acceptor, which easily enter the cells, has been reported and was applied for the construction of a DNA nanomachine-based regenerated biosensor for the ultra-high sensitive determination of cancer cells without any enzyme. First, a dual amplification strategy, including target recycling and signal transformation, was employed to achieve the conversion of a small number of miRNAs into a large amount of universal DNA reporters. Initially, the DNA tweezer was kept in the "off" state with two arms labeled with QDs and AF488, respectively. Second, in the presence of DNA reporters, the tweezer transformed to the "on" state through the hybridization of the reporter DNA and exposed the arms of the tweezer. Simultaneously, QDs and AF488 on the two arms were close enough to generate ERET, which remarkably increased the ECL intensity of the QDs. Impressively, the sensor could be regenerated by a one-step strand displacement and could be cycled for more than seven times. Owing to the dual amplification strategy and the high efficiency of the ERET between the QDs and AF488, the proposed biosensor performs in the linear range from 10 pM to 0.1 fM with a detection limit of 0.03 fM for miRNA determination, and the monitoring of different cancer cells was also achieved. Moreover, the elaborated biosensor can also realize the sensitive detection of Pb²⁺, which indicates that it can be potentially used for field environmental analysis and monitoring, thus offering a new modular platform for the construction of functional DNA nanomachines in the ultra-high sensitive analysis of promising biomarkers and toxic metals.

Probing the Absorption and Emission Transition Dipole Moment of DNA Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters

Using single molecule polarization measurements, we investigate the excitation and emission polarization characteristics of DNA stabilized silver nanoclusters (C24-AgNCs). Although small changes in the polarization generally accompany changes to the emission spectrum, the emission and excitation transition dipoles tend to be steady over time and aligned in a similar direction, when immobilized in PVA. The emission transition dipole patterns, observed for C24-AgNCs in defocused wide field imaging, match that of a single emitter. The small changes to the polarization and spectral shifting that were observed could be due to changes to the conformation of the AgNC or the DNA scaffold. Although less likely, an alternative explanation could be that several well aligned spectrally similar emitters are present within the DNA scaffold which, due to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) processes such as energy hopping, energy transfer, and singlet-singlet annihilation, behave as a single emitter. The reported results can provide more insight in the structural and photophysical properties of DNA-stabilized AgNCs.

Silver Nanoclusters Beacon as Stimuli-Responsive Versatile Platform for Multiplex DNAs Detection and Aptamer-Substrate Complexes Sensing

An activatable silver nanoclusters beacon (ASNCB) was synthesized through a facile one-pot approach and applied for multiplex DNAs, small molecule, and protein sensing. Multifunctional single-stranded DNA sequences are rationally designed and used for ASNCB in situ synthesis. Via target-responsive structure transformation of ASNCB, target recognition induced ASNCB conformational transition and lit up the fluorescent signal of silver nanoclusters. By further implementing two different color ASNCBs (520 and 600 nm), the parallel multiplexed analysis of two target genes (Influenza A virus genes H1N1 and H5N1) is achieved. Additionally, with the introduction of aptamer for the design of the molecular beacon, the detections of small molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and biomacromolecule thrombin have also been realized. This is the first time that an activatable fluorescent silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs)-based probe and the target recognition have been integrated into a single process, which provides a versatile platform for different analytes in a facile way. The successful application of our proposed ASNCB in real sample analysis and ATP imaging in living cells further displayed its promising potential for fluorescence sensing.