Synthesis of DNA-templated fluorescent gold nanoclusters

• Published in: Gold Bulletin Vol. 45; no. 2; pp. 69 - 74
• Main Authors: Liu, Guiying, Shao, Yong, Ma, Kun, Cui, Qinghua, Wu, Fei, Xu, Shujuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.07.2012; World Gold Council
• Subjects: Atomic properties; Boranes; Chemical properties; Chemical synthesis; Chemistry and Materials Science; Deoxyribonucleic acid; Gold; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Nanotechnology; Nucleotide sequence; Original Paper; Spectra; China; Fluorescence; Dimethylamine borane; Gold nanoclusters; DNA; Template
• ISSN: 2190-7579; 1027-8591; 0017-1557; 2190-7579
• DOI: 10.1007/s13404-012-0049-6

Water-soluble and red-emitting gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were synthesized with single-stranded DNA as a promising biotemplate and dimethylamine borane as a mild reductant. The fluorescent Au NCs can be formed in a weakly acidic aqueous solution that is free from the simultaneous formation of large nanoparticles. The cluster feature of the formed Au species has been revealed by fluorescence spectra, absorption spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, DNA sequences could be used to tune the Au NCs' emissions. The as-prepared Au NCs display high stability at physiological pH condition, and thus, wide potential applications are anticipated for the biocompatible fluorescent Au NCs serving as nanoprobes in bioimaging and related fields.