Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
Synthesis of Near-Infrared Emitting Gold Nanoclusters for Biological Applications
Published on: March 22, 2020
Controlled synthesis and assembly of ultra-small nanoclusters for biomedical applications
Qiyue Wang1, Shuying Wang, Xi Hu
1Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. lingds@zju.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Inorganic nanomaterials have been studied extensively in recent years because of their unique physical and chemical characteristics. Moreover, ultra-small nanoclusters (USNCs), which are less than 3 nm in size, exhibit extraordinary properties different from those of larger-sized nanoparticles. For example, ultra-small iron oxide nanoclusters (NCs) show paramagnetic properties; ultra-small noble metal NCs exhibit bright fluorescence; most USNCs gain in vivo renal clearance capability to guarantee safety. Therefore, USNCs could be promising safe materials for biomedical applications. In this mini-review, we summarize recent advances in the controlled synthesis, assembly, and biomedical applications of USNCs. We also discussed future challenges and perspectives in the development of USNC-based nanomedicine.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Control Systems: Applications
In modern vehicles, control systems manage various functions to enhance performance and safety. The steering wheel and accelerator are primary inputs in a car's control system. The...
01:15Dehydration Synthesis
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
02:17Synthesis and Decomposition Reactions
01:59Lagging Strand Synthesis
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...
02:36Transfer RNA Synthesis
Each of these chemical modifications is carried by a specific enzyme, post-transcription. All of these enzymes have unique base and site-specificity. Methylation, the most common chemical modification, is carried by at least nine different enzymes, with...