Design of a fluorescent and clickable Ag₃₈(SRN₃)₂₄ nanocluster platform: synthesis, modeling and self-assembling

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Atomically precise nanoclusters offer unique properties.
• Developing "green" synthesis methods is crucial for sustainability.
• Functional ligands enhance nanocluster applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize fluorescent Ag38 nanoclusters using a green method.
• To explore the potential of azido-functionalized ligands for further applications.
• To evaluate the suitability of these nanoclusters for biomedicine and catalysis.

Main Methods:

• Facile "green" synthesis using sodium ascorbate.
• Extensive characterization: elemental analysis, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SAXS, UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Theoretical modeling for structural and electronic properties.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized fluorescent Ag38 nanoclusters with azido-terminated ligands.
• Atomically precise stoichiometry and structure confirmed.
• Demonstrated potential for "click"-binding molecular species.

Conclusions:

• Ag38 nanoclusters are synthesized via an environmentally friendly route.
• The presence of azido groups enables versatile functionalization.
• These nanoclusters show promise for biosensing, recognition, and catalysis in biomedicine.