Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
09:11
Synthesis of Near-Infrared Emitting Gold Nanoclusters for Biological Applications
Published on: March 22, 2020
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Synergistic Effects in Matrix-Embedded Alloy Nanoclusters: Advanced Type-I Photosensitizers for Theranostics.
Negar Hosseiniyan1, Pietro Castronovo2,3, Gregory Beaune1
1Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Bioderived cellulose nanocrystal-supported gold nanoclusters (CNC-AuNCs) offer a novel approach for cancer therapy. These biocompatible nanomaterials efficiently generate reactive oxygen species for photodynamic therapy (PDT) without external oxygen, destroying cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Developing single nanomaterials for both biomedical imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) is crucial for nanomedicine advancements.
- Current challenges include creating photosensitizers that are effective under hypoxic tumor conditions, possess high photostability, biocompatibility, and allow for renal clearance.
- Ultrasmall gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) show promise as multifunctional platforms for imaging, diagnosis, and therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize cellulose nanocrystal-supported gold nanoclusters (CNC-AuNCs) with heteroatom substitution for enhanced photodynamic therapy.
- To investigate the photophysical properties and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capabilities of these novel nanocomposites.
- To evaluate the potential of CNC-AuNCs as theranostic agents for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of atomically precise ultrasmall (<2 nm) gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) supported on bioderived cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs).
- Incorporation of mono or multiheteroatoms (Ag, Pd, Pt) into the core of the AuNCs.
- Characterization of the photophysical properties (emission wavelength, quantum yield, relaxation kinetics) and cellular uptake of the CNC-AuNCs.
- Assessment of ROS generation upon light exposure and evaluation of cancer cell destruction via Type-I photodynamic effect.
Main Results:
- The synthesized CNC-AuNCs exhibited modulated emission wavelengths and photoluminescence quantum yields due to heteroatom substitution.
- These nanocomposites demonstrated efficient cellular penetration, cytoplasmic accumulation, and bright luminescence.
- Upon light exposure, CNC-AuNCs effectively produced reactive oxygen species (ROS), including O2-· and ·OH, leading to complete cancer cell destruction via a Type-I photodynamic effect.
- The materials showed high biocompatibility with minimal cytotoxicity at effective therapeutic concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Bioderived cellulose nanocrystal-supported gold nanoclusters with selective heteroatom substitution represent a promising platform for theranostic applications.
- These CNC-AuNCs can generate ROS efficiently under hypoxic conditions, enabling effective Type-I photodynamic therapy.
- The developed nanomaterials offer a versatile strategy for creating potent PDT agents with potential for clinical translation.
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