Insulin‐Directed Synthesis of Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters: Preservation of Insulin Bioactivity and Versatility in Cell Imaging

Go for gold: As-prepared insulin–Au nanoclusters (NCs) show intense red fluorescence, excellent biocompatibility, and preservation of natural insulin bioactivity in lowering the blood-glucose level. Their versatility in applications is demonstrated by fluorescence imaging, X-ray computed tomography, and insulin–inhibitor interactions (see picture; IDE=insulin-degrading enzyme).