Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing

Metal nanoclusters (MNCs) possess unique optical properties, discrete energy levels, biocompatibility and photostability, making them pivotal photoluminescent probes in chemical sensing. While substantial work has addressed the synthesis, theoretical studies and applications of gold-, copper-, and s...

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Main Authors: Han-Wei Chu, Girum Getachew Demissie, Chih-Ching Huang, Anisha Anand
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-01-01
Series:Frontiers in Analytical Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1510588/full
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author Han-Wei Chu
Girum Getachew Demissie
Chih-Ching Huang
Anisha Anand
author_facet Han-Wei Chu
Girum Getachew Demissie
Chih-Ching Huang
Anisha Anand
author_sort Han-Wei Chu
collection DOAJ
description Metal nanoclusters (MNCs) possess unique optical properties, discrete energy levels, biocompatibility and photostability, making them pivotal photoluminescent probes in chemical sensing. While substantial work has addressed the synthesis, theoretical studies and applications of gold-, copper-, and silver-based MNCs, this review introduces fresh perspectives on how the nature and concentration of templates—particularly protein molecules—affect the optical properties, stability and sensing capabilities of MNCs. We delve into the merits of using protein templates for creating highly stable MNCs with tunable photoluminescence (PL), providing a detailed comparison with non-protein based systems. This review also unveils recent advancements in the photophysical characteristics and chemical sensing applications of protein-templated MNCs, setting it apart from previous reviews by focusing on cutting-edge innovations in template influence. Challenges and future prospects for protein-templated MNCs in chemical sensing are highlighted, marking critical pathways for upcoming research. This work not only integrates current knowledge but also identifies gaps and opportunities not covered extensively in earlier reviews, such as the nuanced effects of template variation on MNCs’ functional properties.
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spelling doaj-art-cbac8c1745f542dfba3201c3f2abfcaa2025-01-22T05:19:36ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Analytical Science2673-92832025-01-01510.3389/frans.2025.15105881510588Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensingHan-Wei Chu0Girum Getachew Demissie1Chih-Ching Huang2Anisha Anand3Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, TaiwanDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, TaiwanDepartment of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, TaiwanDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, TaiwanMetal nanoclusters (MNCs) possess unique optical properties, discrete energy levels, biocompatibility and photostability, making them pivotal photoluminescent probes in chemical sensing. While substantial work has addressed the synthesis, theoretical studies and applications of gold-, copper-, and silver-based MNCs, this review introduces fresh perspectives on how the nature and concentration of templates—particularly protein molecules—affect the optical properties, stability and sensing capabilities of MNCs. We delve into the merits of using protein templates for creating highly stable MNCs with tunable photoluminescence (PL), providing a detailed comparison with non-protein based systems. This review also unveils recent advancements in the photophysical characteristics and chemical sensing applications of protein-templated MNCs, setting it apart from previous reviews by focusing on cutting-edge innovations in template influence. Challenges and future prospects for protein-templated MNCs in chemical sensing are highlighted, marking critical pathways for upcoming research. This work not only integrates current knowledge but also identifies gaps and opportunities not covered extensively in earlier reviews, such as the nuanced effects of template variation on MNCs’ functional properties.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1510588/fullmetal nanoclustersprotein templatesprecise controltunable PLchemical sensing
spellingShingle Han-Wei Chu
Girum Getachew Demissie
Chih-Ching Huang
Anisha Anand
Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing
Frontiers in Analytical Science
metal nanoclusters
protein templates
precise control
tunable PL
chemical sensing
title Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing
title_full Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing
title_fullStr Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing
title_full_unstemmed Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing
title_short Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing
title_sort protein templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing
topic metal nanoclusters
protein templates
precise control
tunable PL
chemical sensing
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frans.2025.1510588/full
work_keys_str_mv AT hanweichu proteintemplatedmetalnanoclustersforchemicalsensing
AT girumgetachewdemissie proteintemplatedmetalnanoclustersforchemicalsensing
AT chihchinghuang proteintemplatedmetalnanoclustersforchemicalsensing
AT anishaanand proteintemplatedmetalnanoclustersforchemicalsensing