We report the synthesis and photophysical properties of silver-nanoclusters templated on DNA, with fluorescence excitation and emission at distinct wavelengths that are tuned to common laser excitation wavelengths.

We have synthesized an intrinsically fluorescent recognition ligand that combines the high fluorescence quantum yield (>50%) of oligonucleotide templated AgNCs with the specificity and strong binding affinity of DNA aptamers for their target proteins, to develop a new strategy for detection of specific proteins.

We report the discovery of a DNA sequence that templates a highly stable fluorescent silver nanocluster. In contrast to other DNA templated silver nanoclusters that have a relatively short shelf-life, the fluorescent species templated in this new DNA sequence retains significant fluorescence for at least a year. Moreover, this new silver nanocluster possesses low cellular toxicity and enhanced thermal, oxidative, and chemical stability.