Fluorescent MUA-stabilized Au nanoclusters for sensitive and selective detection of penicillamine

In this study, we have developed a facile method for preparation of highly fluorescent Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) using 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) as both the reducing and stabilizing agent. The as-prepared MUA functionalized AuNCs (MUA-AuNCs) have good water solubility, excellent photostability, and strong fluorescence emission at 610 nm with a quantum yield of 7.28% in water. The fluorescence of MUA-AuNCs was first quenched by copper ions through electron transfer, subsequently caused obvious restoration by competitive effect after adding penicillamine, making it a potential fluorescent sensor for penicillamine with a detection limit of 0.08 μM. Furthermore, the newly designed fluorescence “on-off-on” assay was explored for the measurement of penicillamine in complex real water and urine samples with satisfactory results.