فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), defined by their ultra-small size (typically <2 nm) and quantum confinement effects, exhibit exceptional photoluminescence and biocompatibility. Their molecular-like electronic structure distinguishes them from larger plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and underpins their utility as versatile tools in both biomedicine and food science. This review provides a unique, integrated analysis of recent advances in AuNC applications across these two distinct sectors, with a focus on how synthesis strategies and property requirements diverge between fields. In medicine, the ultrasmall size and tunable emission of AuNCs enable precise drug delivery, cancer theranostics, and high-resolution imaging modalities. Concurrently, in the food industry, their robust fluorescence and compatibility with bio-templates facilitate applications in biosensing, smart packaging, and real-time contamination detection. We critically examine shared challenges such as achieving colloidal stability and scalable synthesis alongside sector-specific hurdles like renal clearance for clinical use or long-term stability in food matrices. Overcoming these obstacles through advanced synthetic control and rigorous safety assessment will be pivotal for translating AuNCs from the laboratory to next-generation healthcare and sustainable food systems.