Structural Evolution Patterns of FCC-Type Gold Nanoclusters

Recent progress in the research of atomically-precise metal nanoclusters has identified a series of exceptionally stable nanoclusters with specific chemical compositions. Structural determination on such "magic size" nanoclusters revealed a variety of unique structures such as decahedron, icosahedron, as well as hexagonal close packing(hcp) and body-centered cubic(bcc) packing arrangements in gold nanoclusters, which are largely different from the face-centered cubic(fcc) structure in conventional gold nanoparticles. The characteristic geometrical structures enable the nanoclusters to exhibit interesting properties, and these properties are in close correlation with their atomic structures according to the recent studies. Experimental and theoretical analyses have been applied in the structural identification aiming to clarify the universal principle in the structural evolution of nanoclusters. In this mini-review, we summarize recent studies on periodic structural evolution of fcc-based gold nanoclusters protected by thiolates. A series of nanoclusters exhibit one-dimensional growth along the [001] direction in a layer-by-layer manner from Au_(23)(TBBT)_(20) to Au_(36)(TBBT)_(24),Au_(44)(TBBT)_(28), and to Au_(52)(TBBT)_(32)(TBBT: 4-tert-butylbenzenethiolate). The optical properties of these nanoclusters also evolve periodically based on steady-state and ultrafast spectroscopy. In addition, two-dimensional growth from Au_(44)(TBBT)_(28) toward both [100] and [010] directions leads to the Au_(92)(TBBT)_(44) nanocluster, and the recently reported Au_(52)(PET)_(32)(PET: 2-phenylethanethiol) also follows this growth pattern with partial removal of the layer. Theoretical predictions of relevant fcc nanoclusters include Au_(60)(SCH_3)_(36), Au_(68)(SCH_3)_(40), Au_(76)(SCH_3)_(44), etc, for the continuation of 1 D growth pattern, as well as Au_(68)(SR)_(38)mediating the 2 D growth pattern from Au_(44)(TBBT)_(28) to Au_(92)(TBBT)_(44). Overall, this mini-review provides guidelines on the rules of structural evolution of fcc gold nanoclusters based on 1 D, 2 D and 3 D growth patterns.     

用第一原理理解与预测巯基金纳米簇

This is an exciting time for studying thiolated gold nanoclusters.Single crystal structures of Au102(SR)44 and Au25(SR) 1-8 (—SR being an organothiolate group) bring both surprises and excitement in this field.First principles density functional theory (DFT) simulations turn out to be an important tool to understand and predict thiolated gold nanoclusters.In this review,I summarize the progresses made by us and others in applying first principles DFT to thiolated gold nanoclusters,as inspired by the recent ...     

Turning on the Antimicrobial Activity of Gold Nanoclusters Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria**

In this work, we show that the addition of thiourea (TU) initiated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of otherwise inactive D-maltose-capped gold nanoclusters (AuNC-Mal). For example, AuNC-Mal/TU was effective against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 μg mL⁻¹ (2.5 μM [Au]) while having 30–60 times lower in vitro cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. The reaction of AuNC-Mal and TU generated the antimicrobial species of [Au(TU)₂]⁺ and smaller AuNCs. TU increased the accumulation of Au in bacteria and helped maintain the oxidation state as Au^I (vs. Au^III). The modes of action included the inhibition of thioredoxin reductase, interference with the Cu^I regulation and depletion of ATP. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity did not change in the presence of colistin or carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone, suggesting that AuNC-Mal/TU was indifferent to the outer membrane barrier and to bacterial efflux pumps.     

手性金纳米团簇:一种新型近红外荧光探针

近红外荧光成像具有低背景荧光干扰、强组织穿透力和对生物机体无光损伤等优点, 因此发展具有良好生物相容性、量子产率高、化学及光稳定性好的水溶性长波段近红外荧光探针成为目前的研究热点. 与有机近红外荧光染料相比, 无机纳米近红外荧光探针因其具有较高的摩尔消光吸光系数和荧光量子产率、抗光漂白能力强、发射光谱集中且可调等特点而备受重视. 采用N-异丁酰基-L(D)-半胱氨酸(N-isobutyryl-L(D)-cysteine, L(D)-NIBC)手性对映异构体作为还原剂和稳定剂一步法直接制备得到两种平均粒径小于2 nm的水溶性手性金纳米团簇(L-NIBC-AuNCs和D-NIBC-AuNCs). CD光谱显示二者在230~360 nm波段的圆二色性完美对称, 荧光光谱显示二者均在900~1000 nm的近红外波段具有较强的荧光发射峰, 且二者的荧光量子产率分别达到6.9% (L-NIBC-AuNCs)和8.2% (D-NIBC-AuNCs), 细胞毒性实验表明这两种手性金纳米团簇均无细胞毒性. 上述结果表明两种手性金纳米团簇不仅符合成为近红外荧光探针的基本要求, 而且还具有不对称光学活性和潜在的手性识别能力等独特性质. 手性金纳米团簇具有成为一类全新的近红外荧光探针的潜力, 为将来实现对特定分子通过手性识别来进行体内近红外荧光示踪和成像提供了全新的思路.     

Atomically Tailored Gold Nanoclusters for Catalytic Application

Recent advances in the synthetic chemistry of atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) have significantly broadened the accessible sizes and structures. Such particles are well defined and have intriguing properties, thus, they are attractive for catalysis. Especially, those NCs with identical size but different core (or surface) structure provide unique opportunities that allow the specific role of the core and the surface to be mapped out without complication by the size effect. Herein, we summarize recent work with isomeric Au_n NCs protected by ligands and isostructural NCs but with different surface ligands. The highlighted work includes catalysis by spherical and rod‐shaped Au₂₅ (with different ligands), quasi‐isomeric Au₂₈(SR)₂₀ with different R groups, structural isomers of Au₃₈(SR)₂₄ (with identical R) and Au₃₈S₂(SR)₂₀ with body‐centred cubic (bcc) structure, and isostructural [Au₃₈L₂₀(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ (different L). These isomeric and/or isostructural NCs have provided valuable insights into the respective roles of the kernel, surface staples, and the type of ligands on catalysis. Future studies will lead to fundamental advances and development of tailor‐made catalysts.     

Nanoclusters of Silicon and Germanium

Synthetic routes for the preparation of Si or Ge nanoclusters as gaseous species, colloids, supported composites, or as unsupported powders are reviewed along with selected characterization data. The optical properties of these and related materials, such as porous Si, are summarized with particular emphasis on photo- or electroluminescence phenomena. Research opportunities related to Si and Ge cluster chemistry are suggested.     

金纳米簇的制备及其在生物医学中的应用

金纳米簇由几个到几十个金原子组成,具有尺寸小、荧光性能好、无毒等优点,被广泛应用于生物医学领域。本文介绍了包括模板法,刻蚀法,可逆相转移法和动力学控制法等金纳米簇的主要制备方法,并综述了金纳米簇在生物医学上的主要应用,包括生物检测、荧光成像和药物控释。     

钯掺杂的25-原子和38-原子金纳米团簇

In this work, we describe two synthetic procedures for preparing palladium doped 25-atom nanoclusters (referred to as Pd₁Au₂₄(SR)₁₈, where ―SR represents thiolate, R=C₂H₄Ph). Pure Pd₁Au₂₄(SC₂H₄Ph)₁₈ nanoclusters are isolated by solvent extraction and size exclusion chromatography. Mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy analyses demonstrate that the Pd₁Au₂₄(SC₂H₄Ph)₁₈ nanocluster adopts the same core-shell structure as that of the homogold Au₂₅(SC₂H₄Ph)₁₈ nanocluster, that is, a Pd- or Au-centered icosahedron surrounded by six Au₂(SR)₃ “staple”-like motifs. Similar doping behavior has also been observed in 38-atom M₃₈(SR)₂₄ (M: metal) nanoclusters, indicating the unique behavior of Pd dopant being preferentially located in the icosahedral center. The catalytic activity of Pd₁Au₂₄(SC₂H₄Ph)₁₈ has also been evaluated for the selective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketone (e.g., benzalacetone) to α,β- unsaturated alcohol, and a 42% conversion of benzalacetone is attained.     

pH-Responsive Luminescent Lanthanide-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles with "On-Off" Ytterbium Switchable Near-Infrared Emission

A pH indicator: Near-infrared emitting lanthanide-functionalized gold nanoparticles have been prepared through self-assembly at the gold surface between a ytterbium(III)-cyclen complex and xylenol orange. Excitation of the xylenol orange unit with visible light, up to 600?nm, results in the sensitization of the Yb(III) -centered near-infrared emission that can be reversibly switched "on-off" as a function of the pH value.     

钯掺杂的25-原子和38-原子金纳米团簇

In this work,we describe two synthetic procedures for preparing palladium doped 25-atom nanoclusters (referred to as Pd1Au24(SR)18,where ― SR represents thiolate,R=C2H4Ph).Pure Pd1Au24(SC2H4Ph)18 nanoclusters are isolated by solvent extraction and size exclusion chromatography.Mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy analyses demonstrate that the Pd1Au24(SC2H4Ph)18 nanocluster adopts the same core-shell structure as that of the homogold Au25(SC2H4Ph)18 nanocluster,that is,a Pd-or Au-centered icosahedron surrounded by six Au2(SR)3 "staple"-like motifs.Similar doping behavior has also been observed in 38-atom M38(SR)24 (M:metal) nanoclusters,indicating the unique behavior of Pd dopant being preferentially located in the icosahedral center.The catalytic activity of Pd1Au24(SC2H4Ph)18 has also been evaluated for the selective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketone (e.g.,benzalacetone) to α,β-unsaturated alcohol,and a 42% conversion of benzalacetone is attained.     

pH响应性高分子的合成及表征研究进展

pH响应性高分子是指某些性能随着周围介质的pH值改变而改变的一类高分子,此类高分子在纳米反应器、表面活性剂、医学成像剂以及药物载体等领域具有极高的应用价值。本文首先简要介绍了pH响应性高分子的概念和分类,然后对pH响应性高分子的合成方法(包括阴离子聚合、基团转移聚合、原子转移自由基聚合、可逆加成断链链转移聚合等活性/可控聚合方法)、结构和性能表征手段(包括核磁共振、多检测器凝胶渗透色谱、动态光散射、中子小角散射、透射电镜、扫描电镜、原子力显微镜等)进行了分析比较。     

牛血清白蛋白介导合成的金纳米簇用于活细胞荧光成像

以牛血清白蛋白介导合成金纳米簇, 并利用荧光分光光度计、纳米粒度及zeta电位仪以及非变性聚丙烯酰胺蛋白质电泳对其进行了表征. 结果表明, 该金纳米簇不仅荧光信号较强, 而且在不同pH值溶液中荧光稳定性好. 在此基础上进一步考察了金纳米簇与宫颈癌细胞(HeLa)间的相互作用. 结果表明, 该金纳米簇可成功进入活细胞内, 在最佳的培育时间和金纳米簇浓度条件下可达到较好的活细胞荧光标记效果, 且在经过细胞固定化处理后仍保持其标记形态.     

Theranostic Gold Nanoclusters for NIR-II Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window(NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) has demonstrated tremendous promise for biomedical applications, with its extraordinarily high resolution and deep tissue penetration. Ultrasmall gold nanoclusters(AuNCs) have shown unique features for NIR-II imaging, such as photostability and biocompatibility, as compared to organic NIR-II molecules or other inorganic NIR-II nanoparticles. Here, we report the first-in-class protein-capped ultrasmall AuNCs(BSA-AuNCs, BSA=bovine serum albumin) for simultaneous NIR-II imaging and photodynamic therapy. The BSA-AuNCs show a uniform size, high quantum yield and excellent photostability, display a high accumulation and long retention in 4T1 tumor, and are used for clear imaging of blood vessels and lymph nodes. Moreover, laser irradiation of these AuNCs can rapidly trigger ROS generation, leading to effective inhibition of tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a protein-capped ultrasmall AuNCs platform for theranostic applications by combining NIR-II imaging and photodynamic cancer therapy.     

纳米SiO2/十二烷基氨基丙酸钠协同稳定的pH响应性Pickering乳状液

用纳米SiO₂颗粒与微量氨基酸型两性表面活性剂十二烷基氨基丙酸钠作复合乳化剂, 以正癸烷为油相, 制备了pH响应性O/W型Pickering乳状液. 室温下该乳状液在pH≤4.0 时稳定, 在pH≥6.0时不稳定, 因此, 可以通过改变水相的pH值使乳状液在稳定和破乳之间多次循环. 在酸性水介质中, 氨基酸型两性表面活性剂分子呈阳离子状态, 可通过静电作用吸附到带负电荷的SiO₂颗粒表面, 产生原位疏水化作用, 使其转变为表面活性颗粒; 而在中性和碱性水介质中, 氨基酸型两性表面活性剂呈两性或阴离子状态, 不能产生原位疏水化作用, 因而导致乳状液破乳. 相关作用机理通过吸附量、 Zeta电位及接触角等实验数据得以论证. 该刺激-响应性Pickering乳状液在乳液聚合、 油品输送以及燃料生产等领域具有重要的应用价值.     

pH响应木质素基胶体球的制备和表征

以造纸制浆废液中的松木碱木质素（AL）为原料,通过季铵化改性,制备了季铵化碱木质素（QAL）.QAL与十二烷基苯磺酸钠（SDBS）通过静电作用形成QAL/SDBS复配物,将QAL/SDBS复配物在乙醇/水混合溶剂中进行自组装得到具有pH响应性的胶体球.采用X射线光电子能谱（XPS）、扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、透射电子显微镜（TEM）、元素分析和静态接触角研究了胶体球的形成过程和结构.研究结果表明,QAL/SDBS复配物通过疏水聚集作用形成具有较疏水的“核”和较亲水的“壳”结构的规整胶体球.在pH=3.0时,由于QAL与SDBS间的静电作用和疏水作用使胶体球能够稳定存在.当pH>7.5时,季铵化碱木质素上的羧基电离,由于静电斥力的作用使胶体球开始解聚,当pH=10.5时,季铵化碱木质素上的酚羟基的电离使得QAL与SDBS间的静电斥力增大,胶体球完全解聚.这种在酸性条件下稳定,中性条件下解聚的胶体球在药物缓释方面具有潜在的应用.     

基于铜离子修饰金纳米簇“关-开”型荧光探针检测多巴胺

以11-巯基十一烷酸(11-MUA)为还原剂和保护剂,通过一步水热法合成了具有强烈荧光的水溶性金纳米簇(AuNCs),基于Cu~(2+)修饰的AuNCs@11-MUA构建了"关-开"型荧光探针用于多巴胺(DA)的选择性、高灵敏检测.向AuNCs@11-MUA溶液中加入Cu~(2+)离子后,AuNCs@11-MUA的荧光发生猝灭,体系的荧光信号处于"关闭"状态.在DA存在下,由于DA与Cu~(2+)具有更强的结合力,形成比Cu~(2+)/AuNCs@11-MUA复合体更稳定的络合物,可将Cu~(2+)从AuNCs@11-MUA表面移除下来,从而使其荧光得以恢复,体系的荧光信号呈"打开"状态.AuNCs@11-MUA探针的荧光恢复程度与DA的浓度在2.0×10~(-7)~5.0×10~(-5)mol/L范围呈良好的线性关系,检出限为8.0×10~(-8)mol/L(S/N=3).将该探针应用于人血清和尿液中DA的检测,回收率为93.2%~97.3%,相对标准偏差RSD4.08%,表明该方法可应用于人体内多巴胺的检测.     

An Unprecedented Kernel Growth Mode and Layer-Number-Odevity-Dependent Properties in Gold Nanoclusters

Kernel atoms of Au nanoclusters are packed layer-by-layer along the [001] direction with every full (001) monolayer composed of 8 Au atoms (Au₈ unit) in nanoclusters with formula of Au_8n+4(TBBT)_4n+8 (n is the number of Au₈ units; TBBTH=4-tert-butylbenzenelthiol). It is unclear whether the kernel atoms can be stacked in a defective-layer way along the [001] direction during growth of the series of nanoclusters and how the kernel layer number affects properties. Now, a nanocluster is synthesized that is precisely characterized by mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray crystallography, revealing a layer stacking mode in which a half monolayer composed of 4 atoms (Au₄ unit) is stacked on the full monolayer along the [001] direction. The size and the odevity of the kernel layer number influence the properties (polarity, photoluminescence) of gold nanoclusters. The obtained nanocluster extends the previous formula from Au_8n+4(TBBT)_4n+8 to Au_4n+4(TBBT)_2n+8 (n is the number of Au₄ units).     

Synthesis and Characterization of pH-Responsive Block Copolymers with Primary Amine Groups

A new pH-responsive block copolymer, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly[5-methacrylamido-pentylamine hydrochloride](mPEG-b-PMAAPA) was synthesized and characterized in this paper. The monomer 5-methacrylamido-pentylamine hydrochloride(MAAPA) and the macroinitiator(mPEG-ACVA) were synthesized, respectively, and mPEG-b-PMAAPA was then obtained by free radical polymerization. The structure and molecular weight of mPEG-b-PMAAPA were confirmed by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance(¹H NMR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography with multiangle laser light scattering(GPC-MALLS) measurements. At a low pH, it is hydrophilic due to the protonation of the primary amine groups. With increasing pH value, deprotonation occurs and the hydrophobicity of PMAAPA block increases. This molecular feature leads to interesting aggregation behavior of mPEG-b-PMAAPA in aqueous solutions at different pH values as revealed by dynamic light scattering(DLS) measurements, transmission electron microscopy(TEM) observations and resonance light scattering(RLS) measurements.     

基于金纳米簇探针的荧光猝灭检测铁离子

以D-色氨酸为保护剂和还原剂, 采用水热法快速制备了具有强荧光的金纳米簇(D-Trp@AuNCs); 以其作为荧光探针, 建立了基于荧光猝灭的选择性高灵敏检测Fe³⁺的传感方法. 利用透射电子显微镜(TEM)、 紫外-可见光谱(UV-Vis)和红外光谱(IR)等手段对制备的金纳米簇进行了表征, 并利用荧光光谱研究了D-Trp@AuNCs的荧光性能. 结果表明, D-Trp@AuNCs具有较好的生物相容性, 其最大激发波长为370 nm, 最大发射波长为460 nm; 向金纳米簇溶液中加入Fe³⁺后, D-Trp@AuNCs的荧光发生明显猝灭, 其猝灭程度与Fe³⁺的浓度在0.3~500.0 μmol/L范围内呈现良好的线性关系, 检出限为33.1 nmol/L(S/N=3). 将该荧光探针用于实际水样中Fe³⁺的检测, 回收率为86.6%~106.5%.