Inspite of being a plentiful and inexpensive metal, the use of copper nanoclusters is limited in bio-medical research because of their toxicity and low stability due to its easily oxidizable nature. It also has a low quantum yield. The interdisciplinary publication of the researchers at SRM University-AP successfully addressed these constraints, resulting in strong fluorescence, superior colloidal stability, and non-toxicity of copper nanoclusters for bio imaging applications. The research was a collective work of Dr Manjunatha Thondamal from the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr Mahesh Kumar Ravva and Dr Sabyasachi Chakrabortty from the Department of Chemistry along with their PhD scholars; Mr Kumar Babu Busi, Ms Kotha Jyothi, Ms Sheik Haseena, Ms Shamili Bandaru and Ms Jyothi Priyanka Ghantasala.

The article titled ‘“Engineering colloidally stable, highly fluorescent and nontoxic Cu nanoclusters via reaction parameter optimization” was featured in the prestigious Q1 journal RSC Advances (IF: 4.036), published by the ‘Royal Society of Chemistry’. They successfully prepared the protein stabilised copper nanoclusters inside the aqueous medium with exceptional optical properties. To the best of their knowledge, the reported colloidal stability and quantum yield of their as-synthesized Cu NCs are the highest reported in the literature, where the emission wavelength is in the red region. Also, optimised copper nanoclusters showed excellent biocompatibility towards solid cancer cell lines and C. elegans as in vitro and in vivo environments. Thus, these red colour luminescent copper nanoclusters were becoming a suitable fluorescent probe for deep tissue penetration, photodynamic, photothermal and diagnostic applications.

Abstract of the Research

Metal Nanoclusters (NCs) composed of the least number of atoms (few to tens) became very attractive for their emerging properties owing to their ultrasmall size. Preparing copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) in an aqueous medium with high emission properties, strong colloidal stability, and low toxicity has been a long-standing challenge. Although they are earth-abundant and inexpensive, they are comparatively less explored due to their limitations such as ease of surface oxidation, poor colloidal stability, and high toxicity. To overcome these constraints, we established a facile synthetic route by optimizing the reaction parameters, especially altering the effective concentration of the reducing agent to influence their optical characteristics. The improvement of photoluminescence intensity and superior colloidal stability was modelled from a theoretical standpoint. Moreover, the as-synthesized Cu NCs showed a significant reduction of toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo models. The possibilities of using such Cu NCs as a diagnostic probe towards C. elegans were explored. Also, the extension of this approach towards improving the photoluminescence intensity of the Cu NCs on other ligand systems was demonstrated.

Hon’ble Minister Dr Audimulapu Suresh ensured support of the State Government in the ongoing developmental projects

The foundation stone is laid for the third phase of infrastructure development at SRM University-AP. Dr Audimulapu Suresh, Hon’ble Minister for Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh expressed his happiness in laying the foundation for the Phase III development on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima. “ I appreciate the role of SRM AP as a level playing field in the education sector in Andhra Pradesh”, he said.

In the initial phases, two Academic Blocks, Administrative Block, Research Building, Dining areas, an auditorium, and six Hostel buildings were completed and they are functioning fully-fledged. Dr P Sathyanarayanan, President of SRM University-AP elaborated on the ten thousand square feet project of the new phase. “Bricks and mortar won’t speak for itself, it is the faculty, students, and their opportunities that make a university and we have a proven track record of achievers in research, entrepreneurship, placement, and higher studies”, he added.

A slew of facilities for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, will be open to the students in the new phase. In a statement, Dr T R Paarivendhar, the Founder Chancellor-SRM Group of Educational Institutions said that these new projects are going to give a huge impetus to the modern education ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh. The new phase will house Centres of Excellence focusing on areas of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data and Analytics, Sustainability, and other futuristic areas of research and innovation, in addition to the state-of-art classrooms.

In his address, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof D Narayana Rao highlighted the gamut of opportunities at SRM University-AP. Hon’ble Minister Dr Audimulapu Suresh also acknowledged the contributions of SRM group of institutions in bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots. Vice-Chancellor Prof V S Rao stated that SRM AP is the first educational institute established with a global vision of providing quality education and international exposure to the students of Andhra Pradesh.

The Minister distributed certificates and President’s scholarship upto ₹ 5,00,000 to the Class of 2022 who started successful entrepreneurial ventures, obtained Marquee Placement offers and secured Higher studies opportunities in Top QS 50 global universities. APSCHE Chairman Hemachandra Reddy and University Registrar Dr R Premkumar were also present in the event held at the auditorium following the stone laying ceremony.