Lysozyme-directed synthesis of platinum nanoclusters as a mimic oxidase

Abstract

We present a simple, one-pot approach for synthesizing ultrafine platinum (Pt) nanoclusters (NCs) under alkaline conditions using lysozyme (Lys) as a template. From the analysis of the nanoclusters by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Lys VI-stabilized Pt NCs majorly consisted of Pt₄ clusters. The formation of Pt NCs was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. The maximal fluorescence of Pt NCs appears at 434 nm with a quantum yield of 0.08, a fluorescence lifetime of 3.0 ns, and excitation-dependent emission wavelength behavior. Pt NCs exhibit an intrinsic oxidase-like activity because Pt NCs can catalyze O₂ oxidation of organic substrates through a four-electron reduction process. Compared with larger Pt nanoparticles, the Pt NCs produce substantially greater catalytic activity in the O₂-mediated oxidation of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine, and dopamine.