Fluorescent silver nanoclusters modified with lipoic acid

Silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are ultrasmall nanoparticles composed of several to tens of silver atoms. Their size is close to the Fermi wavelength of electrons, thus exhibiting unique molecular-like properties, such as strong fluorescence. Silver nanoclusters possess small size, low toxicity, excellent photostability, large Stokes shift, and good biocompatibility. Lipoic acid (also known as octylsulfonic acid) acts as a ligand in the synthesis of silver nanoclusters, primarily playing a role in stabilizing and protecting the silver nanoclusters. The ligand binds to silver atoms through its specific chemical structure, forming a stable nanocluster structure and influencing the physicochemical properties of the clusters, such as fluorescence performance, catalytic activity, and biocompatibility. This demonstrates potential application value in various fields such as chemical analysis, biosensing, catalysis, medicine, and bioimaging.