CdS quantum dots:: Enzyme mediated in vitro synthesis, characterization and conjugation with plant lectins

This paper presents the in vitro synthesis of CdS quantum dot nanoparticles using sulphite reductase and capping peptide in the presence of a co-factor alpha-NADPH, their characterization and conjugation with plant lectins, Jacalin and Chick pea lectin. Incubation of sulphite reductase with aqueous CdCl2, Na2SO3, and capping peptide in the presence of a-NADPH, which acts as a co-factor, resulted in the formation of CdS nanoparticles of dimensions 5-20 nm. These CdS nanoparticles were conjugated with plant lectins by EDAC mediated coupling. These observations are of significance, as it will help in the development of eco-friendly process for the formation of CdS nanoparticles and their application as fluorescent biolabels. Moreover the above studies will also help in designing a rational enzymatic strategy for the synthesis of nanomaterials of different chemical composition, shapes and sizes as well as their separation.