Key Words:Coinage Metal Nanoclusters
Abstract:Ultrasmall coinage metal nanoclusters (NCs, <3 nm)have emergedas a novel class of theranostic probes due to their atomically precisesize and engineered physicochemical properties. The rapid advancesin the design and applications of metal NC-based theranostic probesare made possible by the atomic-level engineering of metal NCs. ThisPerspective article examines (i) how the functions of metal NCs areengineered for theranostic applications, (ii) how a metal NC-basedtheranostic probe is designed and how its physicochemical propertiesaffect the theranostic performance, and (iii) how metal NCs are usedto diagnose and treat various diseases. We first summarize the tailoredproperties of metal NCs for theranostic applications in terms of biocompatibilityand tumor targeting. We focus our discussion on the theranostic applicationsof metal NCs in bioimaging-directed disease diagnosis, photoinduceddisease therapy, nanomedicine, drug delivery, and optical urinalysis.Lastly, an outlook on the challenges and opportunities in the futuredevelopment of metal NCs for theranostic applications is provided.
Volume:145
Issue:22
Translation or Not:no