DNA Encapsulation of Ten Silver Atoms Produces a Bright, Modulatable, Near Infrared-Emitting Cluster.
Photostability, inherent fluorescence brightness, and optical modulation of fluorescence are key attributes distinguishing silver nanoclusters as fluorophores. DNA plays a central role both by protecting the clusters in aqueous environments and by directing their formation. Herein, we characterize a new near infrared-emitting cluster with excitation and emission maxima at 750 and 810 nm, respectively that is stabilized within C(3)AC(3)AC(3)TC(3)A. Following chromatographic resolution of the near infrared species, a stoichiometry of 10 Ag/oligonucleotide was determined. Combined with excellent photostability, the cluster's 30% fluorescence quantum yield and 180,000 M(-1)cm(-1) extinction coefficient give it a fluorescence brightness that significantly improves on that of the organic dye Cy7. Fluorescence correlation analysis shows an optically accessible dark state that can be directly depopulated with longer wavelength co-illumination. The coupled increase in total fluorescence demonstrates that enhanced sensitivity can be realized through Synchronously Amplified Fluorescence Image Recovery (SAFIRe), which further differentiates this new fluorophore.
Department of Chemistry, Furman University, Greenville, SC 29613.
Jeffrey T
JT
Petty
Chaoyang
C
Fan
Sandra P
SP
Story
Bidisha
B
Sengupta
Ashlee St John
AS
Iyer
Zachary
Z
Prudowsky
Robert M
RM
Dickson