Lysozyme-stabilized gold fluorescent cluster: Synthesis and application as Hg(2+) sensor

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Gold clusters are nanomaterials with unique optical properties.
• Biomolecules can be used to synthesize and stabilize gold nanoparticles.
• Mercury (Hg2+) is a toxic heavy metal requiring sensitive detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize highly fluorescent gold clusters using lysozyme.
• To investigate the properties of these lysozyme-stabilized gold fluorescent clusters (LsGFC).
• To evaluate LsGFC as a sensor for mercury ion detection.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of gold clusters in basic aqueous solution using lysozyme as a reducing and stabilizing agent.
• Characterization of LsGFC size (average 1 nm) and emission wavelength (approx. 657 nm).
• Testing the fluorescence quenching response of LsGFC to Hg(2+).

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of highly fluorescent LsGFC with an average size of 1 nm.
• LsGFC exhibit fluorescence emission around 657 nm.
• Specific fluorescence quenching by Hg(2+) was observed, enabling detection.

Conclusions:

• Lysozyme is an effective agent for synthesizing and stabilizing fluorescent gold clusters.
• LsGFC serve as a sensitive and selective sensor for Hg(2+) detection.
• The developed sensor has a low detection limit of 10 nM for Hg(2+).