Lysozyme protected copper nano-cluster: A photo-switch for the selective sensing of Fe2+

Protein capped metal nanoclusters gained a lot of recent attention due to their wide range applications. However copper are difficult synthesize tendency undergo oxidation. Here we successfully synthesized stable, biocompatible lysozyme protected Cu nanocluster (Lys-Cu NC) using an optimized green one-pot protocol under aqueous condition at room temperature. The showed strong photoluminescence intensity (λex = 365 nm, λem 430 nm) which can be significantly and selectively quenched (off) by Fe2+ ions. Upon addition NaOH the initial recovered completely (on) thereby making suitable candidate for photo switch that reliably reused selective sensitive detection ions in nanomolar (detection limit ∼ 2.5 nM) concentration range. further has been used rapidly estimate iron level complex systems such as ground water human hemoglobin samples. is also towards temperature indicating it sensor different biological systems. excellent nanoprobe in-vivo cell imaging studies. Thus this Lys-Cu NC emerged next generation novel various interdisciplinary