Programming the Optoelectronic Properties of Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters Using the Conformational Landscape...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Atomically precise gold nanoclusters (Au-NCs) have molecule-like properties but limited tunability.
• Surface engineering of Au-NCs for optoelectronic control is often empirical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a rational design principle for modulating Au-NC photophysical properties.
• To utilize the conformational landscape of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) as a programmable scaffold.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of bioconjugates between Au25 nanoclusters and engineered IDPs with varying cysteine anchors.
• Characterization using mass spectrometry and small-angle X-ray scattering.
• Computational modeling to understand structural changes.

Main Results:

• Increasing covalent anchors restricted IDP conformational ensembles, creating a more compact protein shell.
• Structural rigidification enhanced near-infrared photoluminescence by 15-fold.
• Average photoluminescence lifetime increased six-fold.

Conclusions:

• IDP conformational plasticity can be engineered to rationally control nanomaterial properties.
• This approach offers programmable soft-matter control over quantum-confined nanomaterials.
• Enables tailored nanomaterials for biotechnological applications.