DNA assembled metal nanoclusters: synthesis to novel applications

DNA based nanostructures provide a versatile foundation because they exhibit fascinating luminescent and detection properties. Among such DNA nanostructures, DNA assembled fluorescent metal nanoclusters (NCs), such as silver (Ag), gold (Au) and copper (Cu) nanoclusters, as a new class of fluorophore have attracted progressively more attention owing to their unique electronic structures and the subsequent unusual physical and chemical properties. These excellent properties make them ideal luminescent probes for bio-chemical applications. Blending of metal with DNA sequences as a stabilizing agent has generated a large number of biosensors, as well as imaging and catalytic properties. To date, significant efforts have been devoted to the synthesis, properties and application studies of DNA hosted Au, Ag and Cu NCs. In this review article, we focus on summarizing recent advances in controllable synthesis of DNA, nucleotide-templated NCs strategies and emerging applications of metal NCs, including Au, Ag and Cu. Finally, we conclude with the enduring goal of this area of research, which could explore as novel promisingly environmental-benign approaches to construct nano clusters through DNA-based conjugation and modulation.