DNA-templated silver nanoclusters as label-free fluorescent probes for detection of bleomycin

Noble metal nanoclusters, which have molecule-like properties and offer the missing understanding link between metal atoms and nanoparticles, have become a hot research topic due to their amazing properties. Herein, we develop a label-free, low-cost and sensitive fluorescence turn-off strategy for the detection of bleomycin (BLM) with strong fluorescent silver nanoclusters, wherein BLM coordinated with Fe2+ could highly oxidize the core of fluorescent silver nanoclusters. Under the optimal conditions, this strategy could be applied to the detection of BLM in the range of 100 to 400 nM with a detection limit of 54 nM.