Single-Ligand Modulated Size-Dependent Multi-Color Au/Os Nanoclusters for Multi-Analyte Detection

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Multicolor fluorescent nanoclusters (NCs) are crucial for simultaneous multi-analyte detection.
• Current synthesis methods using multiple ligands often lead to compromised NC stability and altered properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel strategy for synthesizing single-ligand capped bimetallic gold/osmium (Au/Os) nanoclusters with multicolor fluorescence.
• To overcome the limitations of multiligand systems by enhancing NC stability and ensuring uniform physicochemical properties.

Main Methods:

• A size-controlled, single-ligand encapsulation strategy was employed to synthesize Au/Os NCs.
• Reaction parameters were modulated to precisely tune NC size, achieving blue, green, and yellow emissions.
• The multicolor Au/Os NCs were integrated into a sensor array for tetracycline (TC) differentiation via the inner filter effect (IFE).

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized size-tunable, single-ligand capped Au/Os NCs exhibiting multicolor fluorescence (blue, green, yellow).
• The developed sensor array demonstrated effective differentiation of tetracyclines (TCs) based on unique fluorescent responses.
• Principal component analysis was utilized to analyze the distinct fluorescent signals for each TC.

Conclusions:

• The novel single-ligand, size-controlled synthesis strategy provides stable and uniform multicolor fluorescent Au/Os NCs.
• The developed sensor array shows practical potential for detecting TCs in complex matrices like milk, urine, and water.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for advancing multicolor nanocluster development.