One-pot synthesis of two-sized clusters for ratiometric sensing of Hg2+

This paper presents a discussion of a one-pot approach for preparing lyszoyme type VI (Lys VI) stabilized clusters, including small (Au7Ag and Au8) and large (Au24Ag) clusters, for ratiometric fluorescence sensing of Hg(2+). Our previous study (Chen and Tseng, Small 8 (2012) 1912) showed the formation of intermediate Au8 clusters in the conversion of Au(+)-Lys VI protein complexes to Au25 clusters. The presence of Ag(+) in the precursor solution slowed this conversion, thereby forming two-sized clusters. With an increase in Ag(+) content, a systematic blue shift in the first exciton absorption and fluorescence peaks indicated the formation of Au-Ag bimetallic clusters. The prepared Ag(+)/Au(3+) molar ratio of 2:8 resulted in the formation of two-sized clusters, with dual emission bands centered at 471 and 613 nm. After these clusters are separated by a membrane filter, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to determine the composition of Au24Ag clusters. By monitoring the intensity ratio of the two emission wavelengths, the solution consisting of Hg(2+)-insensitive small clusters (Au7Ag and Au8) and Hg(2+)-sensitive Au24Ag clusters exhibited a ratiometric fluorescence response toward Hg(2+), and provided a built-in correction for photobleaching; the limit of detection at a signal-to-noise ratio of three for Hg(2+) was estimated to be 1 nM. This probe was successfully applied to ratiometric fluorescence sensing of Hg(2+) in tap water.