Toggling Between Blue- and Red-Emitting Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Protein-templated silver nanoclusters (Ag/NCs) are valuable for their fluorescent properties.
• Controlling the photophysical characteristics of Ag/NCs remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient synthesis protocol for highly fluorescent, protein-templated Ag/NCs.
• To demonstrate the interconversion of different Ag/NCs (Ag9/HSA and Ag14/HSA) and explore their unique properties.
• To investigate the potential of these Ag/NCs as photoluminescent markers and for bioimaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Ag/NCs using a protein-templated approach.
• Spectroscopic techniques for quantification and characterization of Ag/NCs.
• Investigation of interconversion between different Ag/NC structures (e.g., Ag9/HSA and Ag14/HSA).
• Evaluation of two-photon excitation properties.

Main Results:

• An efficient protocol for synthesizing highly fluorescent Ag/NCs was established.
• Two distinct types of Ag/NCs (Ag9/HSA and Ag14/HSA) were synthesized and shown to be interconvertible.
• Significant differences in photophysical properties were observed between the Ag/NC types.
• Ag/HSA NCs demonstrated potential as photoluminescent markers and exhibited two-photon excitation capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol offers a versatile method for creating tunable, fluorescent Ag/NCs.
• The interconversion of Ag/NCs provides a unique platform for controlling their optical properties.
• Ag/HSA NCs are promising candidates for advanced bioimaging and sensing applications due to their fluorescence and two-photon excitation properties.