Aqueous, protein-driven synthesis of transition metal-doped ZnS immuno-quantum dots

ACS Nano. 2011 Oct 25;5(10):8013-8. doi: 10.1021/nn2024896. Epub 2011 Sep 28.

Abstract

The intentional introduction of transition metal impurities in semiconductor nanocrystals is an attractive approach for tuning quantum dot emission over a wide range of wavelengths. However, the development of effective doping strategies can be challenging, especially if one simultaneously requires a low-toxicity crystalline core, a functional protein shell, and a "green", single-step synthesis process. Here, we describe a simple and environmentally friendly route for the biofabrication of Cu-doped (blue-green) or Mn-doped (yellow-orange) ZnS nanocrystals surrounded by an antibody-binding protein shell. The ZnS:Mn hybrid particles obtained with this method exhibit a 60% enhancement in maximum photoluminescence intensity relative to undoped nanocrystals and have a hydrodynamic diameter inferior to 10 nm. They can be stored for months at 4 °C, are stable over a physiological range of pH and salt concentrations, can be decorated with variable amounts of antibodies by direct mixing, and hold promise for biosensing and imaging applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Cattle
  • Color
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / immunology
  • Green Chemistry Technology
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Manganese / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
  • Sulfides / chemistry*
  • Thioredoxins / chemistry*
  • Thioredoxins / immunology
  • Water / chemistry*
  • Zinc Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Sulfides
  • Zinc Compounds
  • Water
  • Manganese
  • Thioredoxins
  • Copper
  • zinc sulfide