Photoluminescent Gold Nanoclusters as Sensing Probes for Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Po Han Chan, Bhaswati Ghosh, Hong Zheng Lai, Hwei Ling Peng, Kwok Kong Tony Mong, Yu Chie Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Glycan-bound nanoprobes have been demonstrated as suitable sensing probes for bacteria containing glycan binding sites. In this study, we demonstrated a facile approach for generating glycan-bound gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). The generated AuNCs were used as sensing probes for corresponding target bacteria. Mannose-capped AuNCs (AuNCs@Mann) were generated and used as the model sensors for target bacteria. A one-step synthesis approach was employed to generate AuNCs@Mann. In this approach, an aqueous solution of tetrachloroauric acid and mannoside that functionized with a thiol group (Mann-SH) was stirred at room temperature for 48 h. The mannoside functions as reducing and capping agent. The size of the generated AuNCs@Mann is 1.95±0.27 nm, whereas the AuNCs with red photoluminescence have a maximum emission wavelength of ~630 nm (λexcitation = 375 nm). The synthesis of the AuNCs@Mann was accelerated by microwave heating, which enabled the synthesis of the AuNCs@Mann to complete within 1 h. The generated AuNCs@Mann are capable of selectively binding to the urinary tract infection isolate Escherichia coli J96 containing the mannose binding protein FimH expressed on the type 1 pili. On the basis of the naked eye observation, the limit of detection of the sensing approach is as low as ~2×106 cells/mL.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere58064
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 03 2013
Externally publishedYes

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