Gold Nanocluster Probe for Metal Ion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting metal ions and biochemical molecules are often expensive, require large sample volumes, and involve complex sample preparation, making them inefficient for immediate and trace-level detection.
Innovation Solution
A probe comprising a gold nanocluster partially capped with a reducing agent, with a gold to reducing agent molar ratio of 1:0.7 to 1:1.9, is used to mix with an analyte solution, allowing for detection by comparing fluorescent spectra differences to identify specific metal ions or biochemical molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) are used for detecting metal ions, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable fluorescent probes containing gold nanoclusters capped with reducing agents instead of expensive, complex instrumentation. These simple probe molecules can be synthesized cheaply and used for rapid detection without requiring maintenance or calibration of sophisticated equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical instrumentation (spectrometers, mass spectrometers) with a simple fluorescent detection system. The detection mechanism shifts from complex physical measurement systems to a straightforward optical fluorescence reading that can be performed with minimal equipment
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used for detecting metal ions, then detection reliability is improved, but sample preparation complexity and detection time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gold nanoclusters are pre-synthesized and pre-capped with reducing agents during probe preparation. This preliminary action ensures that the probes are ready for immediate use without requiring any pre-treatment of samples or complex setup procedures before detection
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent probes automatically detect metal ions through inherent fluorescence quenching mechanisms without requiring external reagents, complex sample preparation, or additional processing steps. The detection system is self-sufficient and requires minimal operational intervention
3Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used for detecting metal ions, then detection precision is improved, but sample volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from bulk optical or mass spectral measurements to single-molecule or low-concentration fluorescent signals. This parameter change enables detection in extremely small sample volumes while maintaining or improving precision through the high sensitivity of fluorescence detection at the molecular level
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables simple, fast, and efficient detection of metal ions and biochemical molecules, providing a cost-effective and immediate analysis with minimal sample preparation, and can be applied for both qualitative and quantitative measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the probe is formed of reducing gold ions by the reducing agent
Implementation Method 2
analyzing the analyte solution to determine whether it contains specific metal ions or not by comparing the fluorescent spectra difference of the probe and the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting metal ions and chemical/biochemical molecules is provided. The method includes providing a probe, wherein the probe includes: a gold nanocluster; a reducing agent and a chelating agent partially capped on a surface of the gold nanocluster, wherein the probe is formed of reducing gold ions by the reducing agent, and the gold ions and the reducing agent have a molar ratio of 1:0.7 to 1:1.9. The probe may interact with several metal ions of an aqueous solution to produce different changes of fluorescent spectra. Chemical/biochemical molecules can be detected by the fluorescent spectra difference caused by the interaction between the metal ions and the chemical/biochemical molecules.