Covalently linked hybrid structures of semiconductor nanocrystals and allophycocyanin

Abstract

Covalently linked hybrid structures of semiconductor nanocrystals (CdSe/ZnS quantum dots) as an inorganic component with a fluorescence maximum at 620 nm and photosynthetic protein allophycocyanin (APC) as an organic part are created. It is found out that CdSe/ZnS quantum dots form stable complexes with APC through covalent bonding in aqueous solutions. It is shown that the efficiency of electronic excitation energy transfer (EET) in such systems may be significantly enhanced under the conditions at which the monomerization of allophycocyanin trimers occurs. In this paper the EET efficiency is evaluated under differing experimental conditions (pH, temperature, and presence of NaSCN) for hybrid systems obtained by the self-assembling of components via electrostatic interactions, as well as via covalent linking. Under the most optimal conditions, there is a 20-fold increase in the APC fluorescence after the excitation of QDs due to the more efficient EET for the covalently linked components compared to the complexes obtained by the self-assemblage. The obtained covalently linked hybrid structures unfold new opportunities for their practical use as fluorescent markers, hybrid photosensors, and structural elements in photovoltaic devices.