The size transition from bulk conducting metals to insulating nanoparticles and eventually to single atoms passes through
the relatively unexplored few-atom nanocluster region. With dimensions close to the Fermi wavelength, these
nanoclusters demonstrate molecule-like properties distinct from bulk metals or atoms, such as discrete and size-tunable
electronic transitions which lead to photoluminescence. Current research aims to elucidate the fundamental
photophysical properties of metal nanoclusters made by different means and based on different encapsulation agents.
Here, we report the study of the photophysical properties, including quantum yields, lifetimes, extinction coefficients,
blinking dynamics and sizes, of silver and gold nanoclusters synthesized using oligonucleotides, a protein (bovine serum
albumin) and a Good's buffer molecule (MES, 2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid) as encapsulation agents. We also
investigate the change of photoluminescence as a function of temperature. Furthermore, we show that the fluorescent
metal clusters can be used as a donor in forming a resonance energy transfer pair with a commercial organic quencher.
These new fluorophores have great potential as versatile tools for a broad range of applications in biological and
chemical detection.
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