Gold nanocluster assemblies: assembly strategies and biomedical applications

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique photoluminescent, catalytic, and therapeutic properties. Since the discovery of their ability to enhance emission through aggregation, researchers have extensively studied hybrid nanomaterials formed by combining AuNCs with various components through assembly. Assembly can significantly improve the original performance of AuNCs and confer additional properties such as responsiveness and targeting. These assembly strategies greatly expand the potential applications of AuNCs and are regarded as essential means to improve the detection, imaging, and therapeutic capabilities. This review categorizes recent advancements in AuNC assembly methods, including self-assembly and co-assembly of AuNCs. In addition, the emerging directions in the in vivo assembly and disassembly of AuNCs are also being addressed. We also discuss the applications of AuNC assemblies in in vitro biodetection, in vivo bioimaging, and therapeutic platforms. Finally, we offer prospects for the future development of AuNC assemblies. With further exploration of assembly strategies, mechanisms, and application designs, AuNC assemblies are expected to play a more significant role in more fields.