Quantum Dots Stabilized by Genetically Engineered Proteins

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) exhibit unique optical and electronic properties due to their physical size and the semi-conductor material from which they are made [1,2]. While the isolated properties of these nanoparticles offer a number of potential applications, such as bioimaging, their future use in novel electronic devices will require large arrays of known order. The assembling of these arrays is non-trivial and requires a monodisperse sample of quantum dots in order to facilitate the self-assembling process [3,4]. We propose first to validate the concept of using natural and/or recombined (genetic engineered) proteins to build stable, water soluble QD-protein conjugates [5]. Eventually, strategies to design these structures with highly controlled patterns will emerge.