Aqueous Stabilization and Self-Assembly of Graphene Sheets into Layered Bio-Nanocomposites using DNA

Stabilization of aqueous suspensions of graphene single sheets by single-stranded DNA is demonstrated using a range of physical methods. The negatively charged bio-functionalized graphene sheets are spontaneously assembled into layered hybrid nanocomposites containing intercalated DNA molecules, or co-intercalated mixtures of DNA and the redox protein, cytochrome c. Small-molecule reducing agents readily access the intercalated proteins.