Cluster Materials as Traceable Antibacterial Agents

CONSPECTUS:The precise design of nanomaterials is essential for both basic and applied materials research.However,it is difficult to precisely synthesize and manipulate nanomaterials with adjustable physicochemical properties and functions at the molecular and atomic levels.For example,the emerging precision nanomedicine requires not only the precise design of nanomaterials(or atomically precise nanochemistry)but also real-time observations of the theranostic process.Metal nanoclusters(NCs)are molecule-like metal nanomaterials with well-defined molecular formulas,structures,and properties,which can meet the above requirements.Metal NCs can be easily synthesized and manipulated,and they have strong luminescence properties,which can be used to monitor biomedical processes under working conditions and environments.Moreover,unlike metal nanoparticles and other molecules,the core(i.e.,size(number of metal atoms in each NC)and composition)and surface of metal NCs can be individually adjusted at the atomic level.The atomic-level tailoring of metal NCs has a significant impact on their physicochemical properties and further applications.In addition,the atomic-level control of metal NCs can also help us to understand the respective functions of metal NCs in biomedical applications at the molecular and atomic levels.This knowledge will facilitate the accurate screening and design of metal NCs,with the desired functions and required efficacy to realize precision nanomedicine.