Silver nanocluster-based ratiometric fluorescence sensors for X-ray dose detection

In this paper, we synthesized silver nanoclusters using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a template (BSA@AgNCs). Then, we anchored hydroxyphenyl fluorescein (HPF) to yield HPF-BSA@AgNCs. When exposed to X-rays, hydroxyl (∙OH) radicals generated by radiolysis of water react with HPF to produce fluorescein, which emits enhanced fluorescence at 515 nm (λex = 480 nm). The fluorescence intensity of BSA@AgNCs at 685 nm (λex = 480 nm) remains stable when exposed to X-rays. This HPF-BSA@AgNCs ratiometric fluorescence sensor can rapidly detect 0.1–20 Gy (the energy deposited per unit mass, J/kg) of X-rays. In addition, HPF-BSA@AgNCs exhibit good durability and temperature stability. Finally, HPF-BSA@AgNCs were used to measure the absorbed doses of A549 cells and evaluate the cell irradiation damage. [Display omitted] •We synthesize silver nanoclusters using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a template, then anchored hydroxyphenyl fluorescein (HPF) to yield HPF-BSA@AgNCs.•HPF-BSA@AgNCs ratiometric fluorescence sensor can rapidly detect 0.1–20 Gy of X-rays.•HPF-BSA@AgNCs exhibit good durability and temperature stability.•HPF-BSA@AgNCs can rapidly measure the absorbed doses of A549 cells and evaluate the cell irradiation damage.