A reversible DNA-silver nanoclusters-based molecular fluorescence switch and its use for logic gate operation

Molecule-like silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) with few to tens of atoms are highly sensitive to the sequence and structure of DNA stabilizers. In this paper, a novel pH-triggered reversible molecular fluorescence switch is developed by taking advantage of the DNA-dependent fluorescence pH response of AgNCs. The DNA-AgNCs fluorescence switch simultaneously addresses concerns of simple construction strategy, efficient design and organic-solvent-free operation. Moreover, the excellent photostability and biocompatibility of AgNCs provide great potential for application of the DNA-AgNCs fluorescence switch in the development of functional molecular devices. Specifically, we apply the DNA-AgNCs fluorescence switch combined with the DNA sequence-dependent pH response pattern of AgNCs for construction of molecular logic gates.