INTERFACIAL ENGINEERING OF GOLD NANOCLUSTERS FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

In this thesis, we have performed interfacial engineering of atomically precise Au NCs for biomedical applications. Au NCs are ultra-small in size and possess distinct physicochemical properties that are different from their larger counterparts. Among well-known AIE-type Au NCs, Au22 NCs requires special mention as they possess precise molecular formula with PL QY of 8%. An interesting finding of inter-relationship that exists between two 4e- NCs species, Au22 NCs and Au18 NCs (Chapter 3) have paved way to analyse their therapeutic potential in following chapters. Through proper interfacial engineering of Au NCs, better physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties can be achieved. In a follow-up study (Chapter 4), we have designed a multifunctional nanocomposite by incorporating the AIE-type Au22 NCs as a bioimaging probe for lung cancer therapy. In Chapter 5, the therapeutic potential of Au18 NCs was unraveled by forming a Au18 NCs based nanocomposite for antibacterial treatment.