Abstract
The early detection of genetic diseases is a critical need in modern medicine, underscoring the importance of developing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biosensors. In recent years, metal nanoclusters (MNCs) have demonstrated significant potential as biosensors for DNA detection due to their ultra-small size, excellent photostability, bright photoluminescence, low toxicity and other outstanding properties. This review firstly discusses the characteristics of MNCs, which are effective in the early diagnosis of DNA diseases. Subsequently, different synthesis methods of MNCs are introduced. In the following section, DNA sensors based on different types of MNCs and their respective detection mechanisms are discussed in detail. Finally, the opportunities and challenges faced by DNA sensors based on MNCs are analyzed.