1
|
Li T, Li Z, Chen F, Zhu L, Tang H, Wang D, Tang Z. Impact of BSA and Au 3+ concentration on the formation and fluorescence properties of Au nanoclusters. RSC Adv 2024; 14:19284-19293. [PMID: 38887651 PMCID: PMC11181134 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01140f] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine serum albumin-stabilized Au nanoclusters (BSA-Au NCs) have emerged as promising contenders for imaging agents and highly sensitive fluorescence sensors due to their biocompatibility and strong photoluminescence. Optimizing the synthesis conditions of BSA-Au NCs is crucial for enhancing fluorescence imaging and other nanocluster applications. In this study, for the first time, we systematically investigated the effects of BSA concentration and Au3+ on both particle size and optical characteristics of BSA-Au NCs. When the two components achieved a suitable concentration ratio, it was beneficial to form BSA-Au NCs with a high quantum yield (QY = 74.30%) and good fluorescence stability. In contrast, an inappropriate concentration ratio would lead to the formation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), and their internal filtration effect (IFE) would attenuate the fluorescence emission of BSA-Au NCs. The BSA-Au NCs were then employed as efficient fluorescence sensors for detecting Hg2+. Furthermore, the growth mechanism of BSA-Au NCs was elucidated by monitoring fluorescence changes during different incubation times. The BSA-Au NCs with a high quantum yield introduce a novel synthetic concept for sensitive fluorescent probes and expanding versatile applications of BSA-Au NCs in catalysis, chemical sensing and biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Fengjiao Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Liying Zhu
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Guiyang China
| | - Hua Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Dan Wang
- Post-Doctoral Research Center, The People's Hospital of Rongchang District Chongqing China
| | - Zhenrong Tang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang L, Hou P, Wei J, Li B, Gao A, Yuan Z. Recent Advances in Gold Nanocluster-Based Biosensing and Therapy: A Review. Molecules 2024; 29:1574. [PMID: 38611853 PMCID: PMC11013830 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071574] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) with bright emission and unique chemical reactivity characters have been widely applied for optical sensing and imaging. With a combination of surface modifications, effective therapeutic treatments of tumors are realized. In this review, we summarize the recently adopted biosensing and therapy events based on Au NCs. Homogeneous and fluorometric biosensing systems toward various targets, including ions, small molecules, reactive oxygen species, biomacromolecules, cancer cells, and bacteria, in vitro and in vivo, are presented by turn-off, turn-on, and ratiometric tactics. The therapy applications are concluded in three aspects: photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and as a drug carrier. The basic mechanisms and performances of these systems are introduced. Finally, this review highlights the challenges and future trend of Au NC-based biosensing and therapy systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Aijun Gao
- College of Chemistry, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zhiqin Yuan
- College of Chemistry, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang L, Wen Y, Li L, Yang X, Li W, Cao M, Tao Q, Sun X, Liu G. Development of Optical Differential Sensing Based on Nanomaterials for Biological Analysis. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:170. [PMID: 38667163 PMCID: PMC11048167 DOI: 10.3390/bios14040170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The discrimination and recognition of biological targets, such as proteins, cells, and bacteria, are of utmost importance in various fields of biological research and production. These include areas like biological medicine, clinical diagnosis, and microbiology analysis. In order to efficiently and cost-effectively identify a specific target from a wide range of possibilities, researchers have developed a technique called differential sensing. Unlike traditional "lock-and-key" sensors that rely on specific interactions between receptors and analytes, differential sensing makes use of cross-reactive receptors. These sensors offer less specificity but can cross-react with a wide range of analytes to produce a large amount of data. Many pattern recognition strategies have been developed and have shown promising results in identifying complex analytes. To create advanced sensor arrays for higher analysis efficiency and larger recognizing range, various nanomaterials have been utilized as sensing probes. These nanomaterials possess distinct molecular affinities, optical/electrical properties, and biological compatibility, and are conveniently functionalized. In this review, our focus is on recently reported optical sensor arrays that utilize nanomaterials to discriminate bioanalytes, including proteins, cells, and bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanli Wen
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.W.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (W.L.); (M.C.); (Q.T.); (X.S.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Metrology for State Market Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, 1500 Zhang Heng Road, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.W.); (L.L.); (X.Y.); (W.L.); (M.C.); (Q.T.); (X.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tan K, Ma H, Mu X, Wang Z, Wang Q, Wang H, Zhang XD. Application of gold nanoclusters in fluorescence sensing and biological detection. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05220-0. [PMID: 38436693 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05220-0] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) exhibit broad fluorescent spectra from visible to near-infrared regions and good enzyme-mimicking catalytic activities. Combined with excellent stability and exceptional biocompatibility, the Au NCs have been widely exploited in biomedicine such as biocatalysis and bioimaging. Especially, the long fluorescence lifetime and large Stokes shift attribute Au NCs to good probes for fluorescence sensing and biological detection. In this review, we systematically summarized the molecular structure and fluorescence properties of Au NCs and highlighted the advances in fluorescence sensing and biological detection. The Au NCs display high sensitivity and specificity in detecting iodine ions, metal ions, and reactive oxygen species, as well as certain diseases based on the fluorescence activities of Au NCs. We also proposed several points to improve the practicability and accelerate the clinical translation of the Au NCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Tan
- 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
- Department of Physics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xiaoyu Mu
- 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, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Radiobiology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Department of Physics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liao C, Li T, Chen F, Yan S, Zhu L, Tang H, Wang D. Horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed polyacrylamide gels: monitoring their polymerization with BSA-stabilized gold nanoclusters and their functional validation in electrophoresis. RSC Adv 2024; 14:2182-2191. [PMID: 38213962 PMCID: PMC10777359 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07208h] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyacrylamide gel (PAG) is extensively used as a matrix for biomolecular analysis and fractionation. However, the traditional polymerization catalyst system N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED)/ammonium persulphate (APS) of PAG presents non-negligible toxicity. Herein, we utilized the green and efficient bio-enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to catalyze the gel polymerization of polyacrylamide. At the same time, the efficacy of this gel system in separating nucleic acids and proteins was confirmed by applying the gel system in electrophoresis. This study aims to explore a higher biosafety polyacrylamide gel polymerization catalytic system which can be applied to electrophoresis technology. Furthermore, in order to differentiate between the bio-enzymatic catalytic system and the traditional toxic catalytic system during polymerization, aggregation-induced luminescence (AIE) of bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters (BSA-Au NCs) was used to monitor the polymerization reaction of the system. The results indicated that the fluorescence intensity of the polymeric system containing BSA-Au NCs increased with the polymerization of the monomers. Subsequently, we assessed whether certain components of nucleic acid electrophoresis and protein electrophoresis such as sodiumdodecylsulfate (SDS) and TBE buffer (Tris-boric acid, EDTA, pH 8.3) would affect the polymerization of the polyacrylamide gels catalyzed by the biological enzymes. The experimental conditions were also optimized to explore the optimal concentration of the ternary system of HRP, H2O2 and ACAC. Our results suggested that the bioenzyme-catalyzed system could be a feasible alternative to the TEMED/APS-catalyzed system, which also could provide new insights into the methods of monitoring the polymerization system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University Chongqing 400016 China
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University Chongqing 400016 China
| | - Fengjiao Chen
- Guangshan County People's Hospital Xinyang 465450 China
| | - Shaoying Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang Jiangxi 330000 China
| | - Liying Zhu
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Guiyang 550004 China
| | - Hua Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University Chongqing 400016 China
| | - Dan Wang
- Post-Doctoral Research Center, The People's Hospital of Rongchang District Chongqing 402460 China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Akyüz Ö, Mißun M, Rosenberg R, Scheffner M, Marx A, Cölfen H. Thermostable protein-stabilized gold nanoclusters as a peroxidase mimic. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:6061-6068. [PMID: 37941944 PMCID: PMC10629000 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00566f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein-stabilized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are fascinating nanostructures with exciting properties owing to their ultra-small sizes and functional shell. However, their applications under extreme conditions are still complicated, waiting for programmable solutions. Therefore, the design of a multi-functional protein stabilizer for specific purposes gains attention to improve the stability and functionality of AuNCs. Herein, we exploited the thermostability of genetically engineered KlenTaq DNA polymerase containing five cysteine residues (KTQ5C) to synthesize heat-stable AuNCs (AuNC@KTQ5C) and characterize optical, structural, and hydrodynamic properties. Besides their excellent photophysical properties, AuNC@KTQ5C also exhibit superior peroxidase-like (POD-like) catalytic activity following typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics together with a high affinity towards the POD substrate 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-diammonium salt (ABTS). Moreover, FTIR and relative catalytic activity analysis of AuNC@KTQ5C reveal that KTQ5C is resistant to changes in protein secondary structure while the AuNCs conserve 70-80% of their catalytic performance after heat treatments up to more than 80 °C. Our findings show that stabilizing AuNCs with thermostable KTQ5C not only preserves the advantages of protein-stabilized AuNCs but can also promote the resistance of AuNCs against aggregation due to protein denaturation under extreme reaction temperatures, protecting their fluorescent emission or catalytic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Akyüz
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | - Maite Mißun
- Organic Chemistry/Cellular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | - Rose Rosenberg
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | - Martin Scheffner
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | - Andreas Marx
- Organic Chemistry/Cellular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | - Helmut Cölfen
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz 78457 Konstanz Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mittal R, Gupta N. Towards Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Metal Nanoclusters. J Fluoresc 2023; 33:2161-2180. [PMID: 37103674 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03229-9] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
In the modern development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, metal nanoclusters have emerged as a foremost category of nanomaterials exhibiting remarkable biocompatibility and photo-stability having dramatically distinctive optical, electronic, and chemical properties. This review focuses on synthesizing fluorescent metal nanoclusters in a greener way to make them suitable for biological imaging and drug delivery application. The green methodology is the desired route for sustainable chemical production and should be utilized for any form of chemical synthesis including nanomaterials. It aims to eliminate harmful waste, uses non-toxic solvents, and employs energy-efficient processes for the synthesis. This article provides an overview of conventional synthesis methods, including stabilizing nanoclusters by small organic molecules in organic solvents. Then we focus on the improvement of properties, applications of green synthesized metal nanoclusters, challenges involved, and further advancement required in the direction of green synthesis of MNCs. There are plenty of problems for scientists to solve to make nanoclusters suitable for bio-applications, chemical sensing, and catalysis synthesized by green methods. Using bio-compatible and electron-rich ligands, understanding ligand-metal interfacial interactions, employing more energy-efficient processes, and utilizing bio-inspired templates for synthesis are some immediate problems worth solving in this field that requires continued efforts and interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Mittal
- Department of Chemistry, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Dwarka Sector-3, Dwarka, Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Nancy Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Dwarka Sector-3, Dwarka, Delhi, 110078, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sun Y, Zhou Z, Peng P, Shu T, Su L, Zhang X. Protein-Directed Au(0)-Rich Gold Nanoclusters as Ratiometric Luminescence Sensors for Auric Ions via Comproportionation-Induced Emission Enhancement. Anal Chem 2023; 95:5886-5893. [PMID: 36971524 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are widely used as fluorescent probes in biomedical sensing and imaging due to their versatile optical properties and low cytotoxicity. Surface engineering of gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) aims to design a surface with versatile physicochemical performances, but previous investigations have primarily focused on the acquisition of the "brightest" species. This has resulted in other types of Au NC being neglected. In the present study, our group prepared a series of Au NCs that were rich in surface Au(0), using the "aged" form of bovine serum albumin (BSA) via controlling the pH during synthesis. We found that slight increases of alkalinity during synthesis over that which produced Au NCs with the most intensive photoluminescence generated the "darkest" Au NCs, which exhibited the strongest absorption. These Au NCs included more Au atoms and had a higher Au(0) content. Furthermore, the addition of Au3+ quenched the emission of the "brightest" Au NCs, but increased that of the "darkest" Au NCs. The increased Au(I) proportion observed in the Au3+-treated "darkest" Au NCs resulted in a novel comproportionation-induced emission enhancement effect, which we utilized to construct a "turn-on" ratiometric sensor for toxic Au3+. The addition of Au3+ generated simultaneous, opposite effects on blue-emissive diTyr BSA residues and red-emissive Au NCs. After optimization, we successfully constructed ratiometric sensors for Au3+ with high sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy. This study will inspire a new pathway to redesign the protein-framed Au NCs and analytical methodology via comproportionation chemistry.
Collapse
|
9
|
Mahmood Khan I, Niazi S, Akhtar W, Yue L, Pasha I, Khan MKI, Mohsin A, Waheed Iqbal M, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Surface functionalized AuNCs optical biosensor as an emerging food safety indicator: Fundamental mechanism to future prospects. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|