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Generation of Scalable, Metallic High-Aspect Ratio Nanocomposites in a Biological Liquid Medium
Published on: July 8, 2015
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Zinc Complexation Driven Small Spherical Copper Nanocluster Assemblies with Size-Dependent High Antibacterial and
Santanu Dolai1, Sawna Roy2, Anumita Paul1
1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Stable, red fluorescent copper nanocluster assemblies, controlled by zinc ions, show promising antibacterial and anticancer activity. These reusable theranostic agents are size-dependent and suitable for cell imaging.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluorescent Probes
Background:
- Copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) are explored for biomedical applications due to their unique optical and electronic properties.
- Developing stable, tunable, and reusable fluorescent nanomaterials remains a key challenge.
- Controlled assembly of nanoclusters can enhance their functionality and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize stable, spherical, fluorescent Cu NC assemblies using zinc-ion mediated complexation.
- To investigate the size-dependent biological activity and theranostic potential of these assemblies.
- To establish a method for controlled synthesis and storage of Cu NC assemblies.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Cu NCs using mercapto propanoic acid (MPA) and l-cysteine (CYS) stabilized by Zn2+ ions in aqueous media.
- Characterization of assembly size, morphology, and photophysical properties (quantum yield, fluorescence lifetime).
- Evaluation of antibacterial activity against *Staphylococcus aureus* and anticancer activity against HeLa cells, including IC50 determination and ROS generation assessment.
Main Results:
- Stable, spherical Cu NC assemblies (7.95 nm) with bright red fluorescence (QY 7.37%) were synthesized and tunable by Zn2+ concentration.
- Assemblies demonstrated excellent stability, withstanding 2 months of storage in solid form and redispersal without degradation.
- Size-dependent antibacterial and anticancer activities were observed, with smaller assemblies showing enhanced efficacy. Effective cell imaging and theranostic potential were confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Zinc ion-induced controlled assembly is an effective strategy for producing small, robust, and reusable fluorescent Cu NC assemblies.
- The synthesized Zn Cu NC assemblies exhibit significant antibacterial and anticancer properties, making them promising theranostic agents.
- These findings highlight the potential of engineered Cu NC assemblies for advanced biomedical applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics.
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