Human Nontumorigenic Microglia Synthesize Strongly Fluorescent Au/Fe Nanoclusters, Retaining Bioavailability.

The ability for cells to self-synthesize metal-core nanoclusters (mcNCs) offers increased imaging and identification opportunities. To date, much work has been done illustrating the ability for human tumorigenic cell lines to synthesize mcNCs; however, this has not been illustrated for nontumorigenic cell lines. Here, we present the ability for human nontumorigenic microglial cells, which are the major immune cells in the central nervous system, to self-synthesize gold (Au) and iron (Fe) core nanoclusters, following exposures to metallic salts.