Microwave-assisted synthesis of bovine serum albumin–gold nanoclusters and their fluorescence-quenched sensing of Hg2+ ions

摘要: This study presents the microwave-assisted synthesis of fluorescent bovine serum albumin (BSA)–gold (Au) nanoclusters (NCs). The as-prepared BSA–Au NCs exhibit red fluorescence (λem = 650 nm), large Stokes shift (300 and high quantum yield (1.9%). Transmission electron microscopy revealed to be well dispersed, with an average diameter 2.1 ± 0.3 nm. By conducting energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, photoelectron anisotropy analysis, Raman spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption mass we confirmed that metallic Au were successfully embedded in BSA. Because metallophilic properties Hg2+ ions Au+ ions, degree interaction between induced quenching, thus change at nm was dependent on ion concentration. Under optimal conditions (0.1 × NCs; 5.0 mM 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid buffer pH 7.0), limit detection for a signal-to-noise ratio 3 2.98 nM. We used this nanosensor determine concentration environmental water samples (pond seawater). approach is advantageous because it facile, accurate, precise (the relative standard deviation three runs each sample less than 3%).