Biomineralization of semiconductor quantum dots using DNA-functionalized protein nanoreactors.

ABSTRACT: Proteins can template the heterogeneous nucleation and growth of size-confined nanocrystals. However, protein-templated mineralization often leads to particles that exhibit low colloidal stability, poor crystal quality, and/or diminished photoluminescence. Here, we report protein cage-spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) that can be used as nanoreactors for quantum dot (QD) synthesis and subsequent intracellular delivery. The resulting QD-SNA structures are monodisperse, colloidally stable, and photoluminescent in aqueous solution. The nanoreactors were prepared using two different proteins (~10 and 12 nanometers in diameter), and CdS, CdSe, and PbSe nanocrystals were synthesized. Moreover, the extent of surface defects and crystallinity depends on the relative concentrations of ionic precursors

SUBMITTER: Han Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12057681 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature