3D Hybrid Nanospheres Via Assembly of CdTe Nanoparticles and Proteins

Architectures produced similar to the protein-protein or biomolecular interactions inspired from nature via synthetic processes and self-assembly of nanoparticles is a huge challenge. In this approach, the already known assemblies of positively charged CdTe NPs to create 2D nanosheets were employed for the insertion of native Cytochrome C (Cyt C) protein. Interestingly, positively charged CdTe nanoparticles (~4 nm) when assembled with Cyt C (~3nm size) protein under ambient conditions lead to form ~100 nm 3D spheres. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the structure of the 3D spheres, which clearly indicated the formation of hybrid materials made from both the nanocomponents. The unique design supports the importance of protein conformation, which can dictate the morphology of the hybrid nanocomposites (CdTe nanoparticles/Cyt C) formed. The charge dipoles and other non-covalent interactions between Cyt C and nanoparticles were investigated and analyzed. The overall study enhances our understanding to integrate inorganic nanoparticles with proteins in a programmed manner to fabricate unique ordered hybrid nanocomposite materials.