文摘
We present the solution synthesis of thiolated 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-protected Au nanoclusters (NCs). This water-soluble lipid-mimetic MPC was first used for the size focusing synthesis of thiolate (SR)-protected Aun(SR)m NCs. Au25(MPC)18 and Au4(MPC)4 NCs are selectively synthesized, without the need for electrophoretic or chromatographic isolation of size mixed products, by including ethanol or not in the solvent. The Au4(MPC)4 NCs emit at yellow wavelengths (580鈥?00 nm) with a quantum yield (3.6%) and an average lifetime of 1.5 渭s. Also for the first time, we report C-reactive protein (CRP) sensing using Au NCs, with a detection limit (5 nM) low enough for the clinical diagnosis of inflammation. This is based on the quenching effect of specific CRP鈥揗PC interactions on the fluorescence of the Au4(MPC)4 NCs.