A dual-emission fluorescent nanocomplex of gold-cluster-decorated silica particles for live cell imaging of highly reactive oxygen species.

A novel nanocomplex displaying single-excitation and dual-emission fluorescent properties has been developed through a crown-like assembly of dye-encapsulated silica particles decorated with satellite AuNCs for live cell imaging of highly reactive oxygen species (hROS), including •OH, ClO(-) and ONOO(-). The design of this nanocomplex is based on our new finding that the strong fluorescence of AuNCs can be sensitively and selectively quenched by these hROS. The nanocomplex is demonstrated to have excellent biocompatibility, high intracellular delivery efficiency, and stability for long-time observations. The results reveal that the nanocomplex provides a sensitive sensor for rapid imaging of hROS signaling with high selectivity and contrast.