Fluorescent gold nanoclusters for biosensor and bioimaging application

Abstract

With the rapid development of materials technology, fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are emerging as novel functional materials for diagnostic applications including the detection of biomarkers and bioimaging due to the advantages of their ultra-small size, tunable emissions, size-dependent fluorescence and excellent biocompatibility. In this review, we introduced the synthetic methods, and physical and chemical properties of AuNCs. Subsequently, we described the AuNCs-based design strategies for the detection of biomarkers including small molecules, DNA and proteins. The applications of AuNCs for tumor imaging in vitro and in vivo were also presented. Finally, we discussed the challenges and potential solutions of AuNCs-based nanosensors.