Surface Functionalisation of NHC-Protected AU13 Nanoclusters With Monosaccharides
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Authors
Handel, Florian
Date
2024-08-13
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Nanocluster , Gold , Sugar , Functionalisation
Alternative Title
Abstract
N-heterocyclic carbene protected gold clusters are emerging as a frontier in nanoscience and have attracted growing attention over the past years. Their unique characteristics, such as strong photoluminescence, high quantum yield, excellent biocompatibility and the ability to generate reactive oxygen species, make them promising candidates for pharmaceutical applications. However, to unlock their full potential in biomedicine, the conjugation of gold clusters with biologically active molecules, such as glycols, becomes imperative. Monosaccharides such as glucosamine, glucose, galactose and mannose, target membrane proteins like those in the glucose transporter (GLUT) and the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) families, which makes them particularly appealing for decoration of gold cluster surfaces. This study investigates the possibilities of functionalizing gold clusters using “click chemistry”. Azide modified species of NHC protected Au13 clusters were synthesized and subjected to different approaches of azide-alkyne cycloaddition. A proof of concept reaction highlights the feasibility of the strain promoted method for the conjugation of functionalized cyclooctynes to gold clusters. A synthetic pathway is outlined for the ligation of the monosaccharides glucose, mannose and galactose, to strained alkynes. These molecules were subjected to strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloadditions with azidated gold clusters, yielding sugar decorated and water-soluble products. This study does not only advance our understanding of functionalization methods but also opens up possibilities for the development of water-soluble and biologically functionalized gold clusters with the potential for various biomedical applications.
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International