Gold nanoclusters have been recently demonstrated as the antimicrobial reagents. In this work, a one-pot hydrothermal approach was applied to synthesize cysteine-conjugated silver-gold alloy nanoclusters (Cys-AgAuNCs) for the detection and inhibition of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The structural and optical properties of Cys-AgAuNCs were systematically characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cys-AgAuNCs revealed higher fluorescent intensity compared to that of gold nanoclusters. Cys-AgAuNCs were demonstrated as a fluorescent probe for the detection of E. coli because the fluorescence change was caused by the metabolism of Cys-AgAuNCs in E. coli. Furthermore, the death of E. coli was also demonstrated due to the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species through the metabolism of Cys-AgAuNCs. Overall, our work provides a practical approach for bacteria detection and inhibition.

Synthesis of cysteine-conjugated silver-gold alloy nanoclusters and their application in antimicrobial

2019 Fall National Meeting

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