Protein-Templated Metal Nanoclusters: Molecular-like Hybrids for Biosensing, Diagnostics and Pharmaceutics

Abstract

The use of proteins as biomolecular templates to synthesize atomically precise metal nanoclusters has been gaining traction due to their appealing properties such as photoluminescence, good colloidal- and photostability and biocompatibility. The synergistic effect of using a protein scaffold and metal nanoclusters makes it especially attractive for biomedical applications. Unlike other reviews, we focus on proteins in general as the protective ligand for various metal nanoclusters and highlight their applications in the biomedical field. We first introduce the approaches and underlined principles in synthesizing protein-templated metal nanoclusters and summarize some of the typical proteins that have been used thus far. Afterwards, we highlight the key physicochemical properties and the characterization techniques commonly used for the size, structure and optical properties of protein-templated metal nanoclusters. We feature two case studies to illustrate the importance of combining these characterization techniques to elucidate the formation process of protein-templated metal nanoclusters. Lastly, we highlight the promising applications of protein-templated metal nanoclusters in three areas—biosensing, diagnostics and therapeutics.

Ratiometric fluorescence detection of Hg2+ based on gold nanocluster/carbon quantum dots nanohybrids

“…24 The related synthesis methods and ligands have an impact on the particle size, morphology, and crystalline structure of the MNCs. 25,26 MNCs are known to bind to surfactants, 27 thiols, 28 dendrimers (polymers), 29 proteins, 30 enzymes, 31 DNAs, 32 and other substances to control their performance and stability. Additionally, fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted considerable attention because of their simple preparation, low toxicity, ease of functionalization, great biocompatibility, and wavelength-tunable fluorescence characteristics.…”