Synthesis of DNA-templated fluorescent gold nanoclusters

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.

以单链DNA作为一种有前景的生物模板，以二甲胺硼烷作为温和的还原剂，合成了水溶性的红色发光金纳米团簇（Au NCs）。这种荧光金纳米团簇可以在弱酸性水溶液中形成，且不会同时形成大的纳米颗粒。通过荧光光谱、吸收光谱和透射电子显微镜揭示了所形成的金物种的团簇特征。此外，DNA序列可用于调节金纳米团簇的发射。所制备的金纳米团簇在生理pH条件下显示出高稳定性，因此，预计这种生物相容性的荧光金纳米团簇作为纳米探针在生物成像及相关领域具有广泛的潜在应用。