Shining Copper Nanoclusters for Checking Enzyme Activity

A new method has been developed to create copper nanoclusters with a unique design. These nanoclusters are protected by a special bidentate ligand and have an octahedral core made of six copper atoms. Interestingly, these tiny structures can glow at high temperatures, up to 250 degrees Celsius. Their brightness changes depending on the temperature.Scientists have also discovered that these nanoclusters can stick together to form larger sheets. However, a chemical called 4-nitrophenol can dim their light. By studying this, scientists found that two things cause this: an inner filter effect and a transfer of electrons. Using these glowing sheets, scientists made a tool to measure the activity of an enzyme called β-galactosidase. This tool works within a certain range and can detect even small amounts of the enzyme. They also tested it on human serum with good results.