DNA-Directed Assembly of Carbon Nanotube-Protein Hybrids

Here, we report the controlled assembly of SWCNT-GFP hybrids employing DNA as a linker. Two distinct, enriched SWCNTs chiralities, (6,5), (7,6), and an unsorted SWCNT solution, were selectively functionalized with DNA and hybridized to a complementary GFP(DNA) conjugate. Atomic force microscopy images confirmed that GFP attachment occurred predominantly at the terminal ends of the nanotubes, as designed. The electronic coupling of the proteins to the nanotubes was confirmed via in-solution fluorescence spectroscopy, that revealed an increase in the emission intensity of GFP when linked to the CNTs.

Automated summary

This study reports the controlled assembly of SWCNT-GFP hybrids using DNA as a linker, confirming GFP attachment predominantly at the terminal ends of the nanotubes. Electronic coupling of the proteins to the nanotubes was confirmed through in-solution fluorescence spectroscopy, showing an increase in the emission intensity of GFP when linked to the CNTs.