Visualization of Polymer–Surfactant Interaction by Dual-Emissive Gold Nanocluster Labeling

Recent advances in fluorescent gold nanocluster-based bioanalytical analysis and imaging in living cell

Ultrasmall and highly fluorescent gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) have been widely used for the construction of sensing and imaging platforms. Specifically, through a combination of surface functionalization and spectral analysis and/or imaging techniques, effective intracellular detection and imaging are realized. In this review, we summarize the recently adopted intracellular analysis and imaging events with Au NCs-based probes. The synthesis of Au NCs is briefly introduced based on stabilizer selection. The principles and applications of fluorometric intracellular detection systems toward different analytes, including small molecules and biomacromolecules, are presented by turnoff, turn-on, and ratiometric tactics. The cell imaging events are summarized based on conventional imaging and high-resolution imaging techniques, respectively. In the end, this review highlights the challenges of intracellular applications with Au NCs.

Recent Advances in Gold Nanocluster-Based Biosensing and Therapy: A Review

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) with bright emission and unique chemical reactivity characters have been widely applied for optical sensing and imaging. With a combination of surface modifications, effective therapeutic treatments of tumors are realized. In this review, we summarize the recently adopted biosensing and therapy events based on Au NCs. Homogeneous and fluorometric biosensing systems toward various targets, including ions, small molecules, reactive oxygen species, biomacromolecules, cancer cells, and bacteria, in vitro and in vivo, are presented by turn-off, turn-on, and ratiometric tactics. The therapy applications are concluded in three aspects: photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and as a drug carrier. The basic mechanisms and performances of these systems are introduced. Finally, this review highlights the challenges and future trend of Au NC-based biosensing and therapy systems.