Enhanced biochemical sensing using metallic nanoclusters integrated with metal–organic frameworks (NCs@MOFs): a comprehensive review

In biochemical sensing, substantial progress has been achieved in the design, development, and application of metallic nanoclusters (NCs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as distinct entities. Integration of these two nanostructured materials is a promising strategy to form innovative composites with improved properties. Some improvements include (i) supporting platform to minimize the aggregation of NCs and enhance the emission efficiency; (ii) dual-emitting NCs@MOFs from the fluorescent/non-fluorescent MOFs and/or fluorescent NCs; and (iii) stability enhancement. These improvements increase the sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and color tonality, lower the limit of detection, and improve other…