Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
09:11
Synthesis of Near-Infrared Emitting Gold Nanoclusters for Biological Applications
Published on: March 22, 2020
8.5K
pH-Guided Self-Assembly of Copper Nanoclusters with Aggregation-Induced Emission
1Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology , Guangzhou 510640, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 10, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a pH-guided method to create bright, water-soluble protein/copper nanocluster (CuNC) hybrids. This aggregation-induced emission strategy offers a new pathway for smart luminescent nanomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Biochemistry
- Materials Chemistry
Background:
- Copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) exhibit luminescence, but achieving water solubility and controlled assembly remains a challenge.
- Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) is a phenomenon where luminescence increases upon aggregation, offering potential for bright nanomaterials.
- Developing stimuli-responsive hybrid nanostructures is crucial for advanced applications in sensing and imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile pH-guided strategy for fabricating water-soluble protein/CuNC hybrid nanostructures.
- To investigate the pH-responsive aggregation and luminescence properties of CuNCs.
- To demonstrate the formation of luminescent protein/CuNC hybrids using a simple mixing and pH-tuning process.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of CuNCs using l-cysteine as both reducing and capping agents.
- Investigation of CuNC aggregation and luminescence changes across a pH range (1.5-7.0).
- Fabrication of protein/CuNC hybrid nanostructures by mixing CuNCs with proteins and adjusting pH.
Main Results:
- CuNCs exhibited reversible pH-responsive aggregation, forming insoluble red-emitting aggregates at pH 3.0 and soluble, weakly luminescent forms at other pH values.
- Water-soluble protein/CuNC hybrid nanostructures were successfully formed at acidic pH without external forces like sonication.
- The hybrid nanostructures were significantly smaller than protein-free CuNC aggregates, indicating controlled assembly.
Conclusions:
- A facile pH-guided strategy enables the creation of water-soluble, luminescent protein/CuNC hybrid nanostructures via AIE.
- The reversible pH-responsive nature of CuNCs is key to forming these stable, bright hybrid materials.
- This approach provides a versatile platform for constructing various smart, water-soluble luminescent biomolecule/nanocluster hybrids for diverse applications.
