Bioconjugation of Au25 Nanocluster to Monoclonal Antibody at Tryptophan

When Metal Nanoclusters Meet Smart Synthesis

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (MNCs) represent a fascinating class of ultrasmall nanoparticles with molecule-like properties, bridging conventional metal-ligand complexes and nanocrystals. Despite their potential for various applications, synthesis challenges such as a precise understanding of varied synthetic parameters and property-driven synthesis persist, hindering their full exploitation and wider application. Incorporating smart synthesis methodologies, including a closed-loop framework of automation, data interpretation, and feedback from AI, offers promising solutions to address these challenges. In this perspective, we summarize the closed-loop smart synthesis that has been demonstrated in various nanomaterials and explore the research frontiers of smart synthesis for MNCs. Moreover, the perspectives on the inherent challenges and opportunities of smart synthesis for MNCs are discussed, aiming to provide insights and directions for future advancements in this emerging field of AI for Science, while the integration of deep learning algorithms stands to substantially enrich research in smart synthesis by offering enhanced predictive capabilities, optimization strategies, and control mechanisms, thereby extending the potential of MNC synthesis.

Synthesis of Photoluminescent 2D Self-Assembled Silver Thiolate Nanoclusters for Sensors and Biomolecule Support

Silver thiolate nanoclusters (Ag NCs) show distinctive optical properties resulting from their hybrid nature, metallic and molecular, exhibiting size-, structure-, and surface-dependent photoluminescence, thus enabling the exploitation of Ag NCs for potential applications in nanobiotechnology, catalysis, and biomedicine. However, tailoring Ag NCs for specific applications requires achieving long-term stability and may involve modifying surface chemistry, fine-tuning ligand composition, or adding functional groups. In this study, we report the synthesis of novel Ag NCs using 2-ethanephenylthiolate (SR) as a ligand, highlight critical points addressing stability, and characterize their optical and structural properties. A preliminary electrical characterization revealed high anisotropy, well suited for potential use in electronics/sensing applications. We also present the synthesis and characterization of Ag NCs using 10-carboxylic 2-ol thiolate (SR'COOH) having a terminal carboxylic group for conjugation with amine-containing molecules. We present a preliminary assessment of its bioconjugation capability using bovine serum albumin as a model protein indicating its prospective application as a biomolecule support.