Ligand evolution of luminescent gold nanoclusters: from amino acids to proteins

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">Gold nanoclusters are known as emerging ultra-small-sized luminescent nanomaterials with the characteristics of strong photobleaching resistance, large Stokes shifts, good biocompatibility and low toxicity. Up to now, the development of emissive gold nanoclusters has experienced several stages, which are closely related to the study of ligands. Based on the evolution of ligands, this review focuses on how ligands from amino acids, peptides to proteins are used to synthesize photoluminescent gold nanoclusters and to fabricate biosensors. The content of this review includes synthesis methods, luminescence mechanism and stimuli-responsive properties of gold nanoclusters. The effects of different ligands on gold nanoclusters are discussed separately, and the current challenges and the future development direction in the field of gold nanoclusters are proposed.