Gold nanoclusters as a near-infrared fluorometric nanothermometer for living cells

The authors describe the syntheses and application of glutathione-capped gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with thermoresponsive properties. The AuNCs have excitation/emission maxima at 430/610nm and the bright redfluorescence changes along with the temperature in the range from 0 to 90 degrees Cwhich covers the normal temperature rangeof living cells. In the range of physiological temperatures (35-42 degrees C), the temperature resolution is 0.73 degrees C.The AuNCs display excellent colloidal stability and biocompatibility. They were used for fluorometric temperature detection and imaging of hepatic stellate cells. With such attractive features, the AuNCs are quite promising luminescence nanothermometers.