Quantum Defects as a Toolbox for the Covalent Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Peptides and Proteins

sp(3)quantum defects can be used for covalent functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) under preservation of their near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence. In their Research Article (DOI:10.1002/anie.202003825), S. Kruss et al. describe how peptide chains are directly grown on the SWCNT's sidewall by using a Fmoc-protected phenylalanine defect. A second maleimide defect enables attachment of proteins via thiol groups. This chemistry provides access to NIR-fluorescent SWCNT bioconjugates and applications in photonics, biosensing and medicine.