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REVIEW article

Front. Anal. Sci.
Sec. Biomedical Analysis and Diagnostics
Volume 5 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/frans.2025.1510588
This article is part of the Research Topic Thought Leaders in Analytical Science Research View all 9 articles

Protein-templated metal nanoclusters for chemical sensing

Provisionally accepted
Han-Wei Chu Han-Wei Chu 1Girum Getachew Demissie Girum Getachew Demissie 1Chih-Ching Huang Chih-Ching Huang 2ANISHA ANAND ANISHA ANAND 3*
  • 1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
  • 2 Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
  • 3 Center for Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    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 proteintemplated 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.

    Keywords: Metal nanoclusters, Protein templates, Precise control, tunable PL, chemical sensing

    Received: 13 Oct 2024; Accepted: 03 Jan 2025.

    Copyright: © 2025 Chu, Demissie, Huang and ANAND. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: ANISHA ANAND, Center for Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333-2, Taiwan

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.