Journals
2026 EN
Ayed Zeineb · Alhalabi Abdallah · Gasparutto Didier
+1 more
ABSTRACT Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are ultrasmall (<2 nm) aggregates of gold atoms that exhibit discrete electronic states, size‐dependent photoluminescence, and exceptional biocompatibility, making them ideal candidates for theranostic applications. Their tunable surface chemistry enables targeted delivery, while strong near‐infrared emission and environmental responsiveness allow for sensitive detection and deep‐tissue imaging. Recent advances have revealed that controlled assembly of AuNCs into higher‐order architectures—guided by biological scaffolds such as nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins—can markedly enhance their optical and electronic properties through aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and stabilization of surface ligands. This review summarizes recent progress in the design and biomedical applications of AuNC assemblies generated using biomolecules as structure‐directing scaffolds. Covalent and noncovalent interactions with biomolecules enable the formation of well‐defined one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional structures with tunable morphologies and sizes. These assemblies display distinctive photophysical behaviors that have been exploited for biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutic applications in both cellular and in vivo models. Compared with individual AuNCs, assembled systems offer improved uptake, prolonged circulation, and efficient clearance, while protecting labile cargos such as nucleic acids and proteins. Moreover, their ordered and defined architectures can be engineered for controlled drug release and synergistic photo‐ or radiotherapeutic effects. Despite these advances, fundamental understanding of how structural organization governs photophysical responses remains limited. Elucidating parameters such as intercluster spacing and loading density will be essential for optimizing performance. Overall, biologically guided AuNC assemblies represent a powerful platform for multifunctional biosensing and therapy, bridging nanoscale design with biological function.
Journals
2026 EN
Jiang Yuan · Qiu Zhongjie · Yuan Kuo
+2 more
ABSTRACT Electrocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds provides a green strategy to produce value‐added chemicals from easily accessible molecules with low values at ambient conditions. The low overpotentials of these reactions also make them excellent alternatives to replace the conventional anodic oxygen evolution reaction in water splitting to reduce the electrical energy consumption of the electrolyser and simultaneously realize the co‐production of fine chemicals and hydrogen. However, the electrocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds suffers from slow kinetics and complex reaction pathways, which lead to poor catalytic activity and selectivity, hindering its practical applications in green production of value‐added chemicals. Recently, intermetallic compound (IMC) nanomaterials have shown great promise as catalysts for electrocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds. Their atomically ordered structures enable the precise control over the configurations of active sites, making it feasible to finely modulate the adsorption of reactants and intermediates on catalyst surface for achieving high electrocatalytic performance. This review provides a brief overview of the development of IMC nanomaterials as catalysts for electrocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds to produce value‐added chemicals. The main strategies for preparing IMC nanomaterials are summarized, followed by an overview of their applications in electrocatalytic oxidation of furan compounds, glycerol, and plastic waste. Besides, the hybrid water splitting systems coupling electrocatalytic oxidation reactions with hydrogen evolution reaction utilizing IMC nanomaterials as catalysts are also highlighted. Finally, the existing challenges and future research opportunities in this research area are discussed.
Journals
2026 EN
Moura Rebeca Garcia · Terêsa Machini M. · Jin Rongchao
ABSTRACT Peptide‐ and drug‐protected gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) with atomic precision have attracted research attention in the last few years owing to their ultrasmall size (<2 nm), well‐defined structures, tunable photoluminescence from the visible to near‐infrared range, water solubility, and good biocompatibility. These features, combined with low toxicity and efficient renal clearance, make such Au NCs promising candidates for biomedical use, including diagnosis, therapy, and theranostic. The incorporation of peptides or drugs into Au NCs enhances the stability, targeting specificity, cellular uptake, and prolonged circulation, enabling precise modulation of biological responses. Despite notable advances in achieving atomic precision employing complex ligands such as peptides or drugs, the synthetic methods of this new class of NCs remain a challenge. Careful control of molar ratio (Au: peptide/drug), reducing agent, temperature, and reaction time is required, because these factors directly influence the cluster size, optical properties, and in vivo performance. In this review, we highlight different synthetic approaches of atomically precise peptide‐ and drug‐protected Au NCs, emphasizing the role of rational ligand design and reaction conditions, as well as the challenges associated with structural determination. We further discuss the optical and photoluminescence properties of peptide‐protected Au NCs—the mostly explored features for biomedical applications. Finally, we conclude by outlining the current challenges, opportunities for scale‐up synthesis, and future design perspectives for these emerging nanomaterials.
Journals
2026 EN
Pei Chun · Zhuang Shengli · Wu Zhikun
ABSTRACT The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 , as a renewable energy‐driven electrochemical system, has emerged as an environmentally benign approach for producing valuable chemicals and fuels under mild reaction conditions. Recent advances in the precise synthesis of metal nanoclusters, coupled with state‐of‐the‐art characterization techniques, have enabled atomic‐level investigation of structure–activity relationships in nanocatalysts. Due to their well‐defined atomic architectures, the active metal sites within these nanocatalysts can be accurately identified, facilitating systematic studies on how compositions (structures) modulate catalytic performance. This review begins by summarizing recent advances in the controlled synthesis of atomically precise metal nanoclusters, followed by an overview of progress in the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 to CO using nanoclusters as catalysts. Subsequently, we systematically investigate the effects of metal kernel characteristics and staple properties on catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. Furthermore, current challenges are outlined, and prospective research directions are proposed in this rapidly evolving field. It is anticipated that this review will inspire further innovation in the synthesis of atomically precise nanocluster catalysts, promote a deeper mechanistic understanding of metal nanocluster‐mediated electrochemical CO 2 reduction, and push forward the related industrial applications.
Journals
2026 EN
Xiao Yufeng · Huang Jiachang · Yang Lin
+5 more
ABSTRACT Although alkyne‐based polymerizations have significant potential for advanced materials, achieving efficient and spatiotemporally controlled polymerizations under mild, additive‐free conditions remains a challenge. In this work, we report a facile light‐induced click polymerization between activated alkynes and 2‐methylbenzaldehydes ( o ‐MBAS). This polymerization can be completed within 1 h at room temperature without any catalysts or additives, and features high atom economy, spatiotemporal controllability, and operational simplicity. Under optimized conditions, a series of soluble and thermally stable poly(naphthalene)s, poly(anthracene), and poly(phenanthrene) with high molecular weights ( M w up to 46,800 Da) were obtained in excellent yields (up to 99%). The resulting polymers exhibit outstanding photophysical properties. The poly(anthracene) can specifically label lipid droplets in cells. In addition, introducing the tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moiety into the polymer backbones endows the resultant polymers with unique aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties, enabling the preparation of fluorescent patterns. Moreover, the precise spatiotemporal nature of this polymerization also supports the fabrication of well‐defined 2D and 3D polymer architectures. This work not only expands the scope of alkyne‐based polymerizations but also provides a useful and flexible platform for the spatiotemporally controlled synthesis of polymers.
Journals
2026 EN
Liu Wenfeng · Yin Qinyin · Tan LiLi
+1 more
ABSTRACT Metal nanoclusters (MNCs), comprising several to hundreds of metal atoms, have attracted significant research interest owing to their distinctive physicochemical properties. Reticular frameworks (RFs) with ordered porous structures, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), and supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs), possess a variety of unique properties due to their high crystallinity, high porosity, large surface area, and adjustable structure. The integration of MNCs with RFs endows the resulting composites with desirable features (e.g., enhanced and tunable optical properties, improved catalytic and photophysical activities, selective molecular recognition), which facilitates a broad spectrum of biomedical applications and advancing the development of integrated theranostic nanoplatforms. This review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis and biomedical applications of various MNCs/RFs composites. We systematically categorize and evaluate key strategies for incorporating MNCs into four types of RFs (MOFs, COFs, HOFs, and SOFs) while discussing the advantages and limitations of each approach. The biomedical applications of these composites are comprehensively reviewed, encompassing biosensing, bioimaging, antitumor therapy, and antibacterial treatments. Finally, the review addresses current challenges and outlines future research directions, with the aim of guiding the rational design of novel MNCs/RFs composites, enabling precise control over their structures and functions toward advanced biomedical applications.
Journals
2026 EN
Zhang Mengjiao · He Xuan · Deng Shengyong
+2 more
ABSTRACT Solvents in crystalline materials typically exist either as structural components that stabilize the framework or as adsorbed guests that modulate properties, yet achieving their orthogonal coexistence within a single system remains challenging. This study proposes a natural mineral‐inspired solvent hierarchy strategy that enables the concurrent achievement of framework stability and dynamic responsiveness in hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) through the orthogonal integration of structural and adsorbed solvents. We have validated the feasibility of this solvent hierarchy approach based on four model systems with progressively increasing stability and dynamism: (1) unstable HOFs containing only adsorbed solvents, (2) unstable HOFs with low‐binding‐energy structural solvents, (3) stable HOFs incorporating strong‐fitted structural solvents, and (4) stable HOFs with structural solvents and dynamically adjustable adsorption solvents. Crystallographic and theoretical analyses reveal that the superior stability of structural solvents originates from the high‐electron‐density oxygen of the DMSO S═O bond, which acts as a strong hydrogen‐bond acceptor, forming stable N─H···O═S bonds with amine groups. The host's aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics allow real‐time optical monitoring of reversible single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformations without compromising structural integrity, demonstrating promising applications for visual water content and water leakage detection. This work not only establishes a new paradigm in solvent engineering for developing smart crystalline materials but also expands the design possibilities for functional porous frameworks.
Journals
2026 EN
Ji Haishuo · Wang Yaling · Yao Kexin
+13 more
ABSTRACT The inherent oxygen sensitivity of hydrogenases has limited their biomedical use. We report a hybrid peptide–nanocluster hydrogel that establishes a self‐sustained anaerobic microenvironment, enabling hydrogenase‐catalyzed hydrogen therapy under aerobic conditions. The Fmoc‐KYF peptide network traps O 2 in hydrophobic pockets, while photoexcited silver nanoclusters rapidly scavenge residual oxygen, ensuring stable hydrogen evolution. In vitro, the generated hydrogen mitigates oxidative stress and inflammation. In diabetic mice, the light‐activated system accelerates wound closure, promotes angiogenesis, and drives macrophage polarization toward a reparative phenotype. This study introduces a bioengineering strategy that integrates material design, enzyme catalysis, and photodynamics to overcome oxygen limitation and advance hydrogenase‐based therapeutic applications.
Journals
2026 EN
Gao ZhaoXing · Wang WenFei · Xu MianHe
+3 more
ABSTRACT The exploration of solvent‐driven reversible structural transformation in clusters is crucial for advanced stimulus‐responsive optical applications and understanding of structure‐property relationships. Herein, we report a solvent‐driven reversible transformation between two copper(I) clusters: [Cu(totp)(CH 3 CN) 3 ][Cu 2 I 3 (totp)(DPPPy)]·CH 3 CN 1 and Cu 4 I 4 (DPPPy) 2 ·0.5CH 2 Cl 2 2 (totp = tri‐o‐tolylphosphine, DPPPy = 2‐[diphenylphosphino]pyridine). X‐ray radioluminescence and encryption applications were studied based on structure‐dependent photophysical properties difference. The noncovalent interaction‐mediated space charge transition between isolated ion units of 1 enables more efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence by reverse intersystem crossing, accounting for structure‐dependent luminescence. Notably, compared to 2 , 1 exhibits a higher scintillation light yield of 14832 photons MeV −1 , exceeding that of the commercial scintillator Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (8000 photons MeV −1 ), and a low X‐ray detection limit of 22.49 nGy s −1 , far below the typical diagnostic dose (5.5 µGy s −1 ). Furthermore, scintillating film fabricated by 1 achieves X‐ray imaging with a high spatial resolution of 16 lp/mm. The reversible structural interconversion enables solvent‐responsive luminescent switches, and thus, the dynamic encryption system capable of multistage decryption was developed. This work not only offers new insight into solvent‐regulated clusters transformations but also provides a promising strategy for developing high‐performance copper(I) clusters‐based scintillators and stimulus‐responsive optical devices.
Journals
2026 EN
Zheng Xin · Liu Yongling · Jiang Suhua
+4 more
ABSTRACT Organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials are promising for bioimaging applications due to their tunable structures, excellent biocompatibility, and long‐lived luminescence. However, the development of highly efficient organic RTP materials for aqueous systems remains challenging, as the organic phosphorescence is prone to being quenched by the dissolved oxygen in water. Herein, heteroaromatic carboxylic acids serve as ligand guests to construct a series of host‐guest composites with nontoxic, dense EDTA‐M (M = Ca, Mg, and Al) coordination polymer in water. These composites exhibit ultra‐long pure RTP of guest molecules with phosphorescence quantum yield up to 53%, and lifetime up to 589.7 ms, due to the synergistic effect of dual‐network structure: a coordinatively cross‐linked network of EDTA‐M, and a non‐covalent bonded network formed by ligands and water molecules. The phosphorescence intensity is more than three times that of the composite with a single coordination network. Notably, the dual‐network configuration can form a rigid and dense structure and block the intrusion of external H 2 O and O 2 molecules to avoid phosphorescence quenching in water. As a result, the RTP of the composites remains unchanged after 1 month in water. Furthermore, the nanoparticles fabricated from composites and anionic surfactants can be successfully applied in in vivo imaging of mice for the stable RTP in water. This work provides a novel strategy for the development of high‐performance RTP materials in aqueous systems.