Molecular Recognition of Biomolecules by Chiral CdSe Quantum Dots

Sci Rep. 2016 Apr 11:6:24177. doi: 10.1038/srep24177.

Abstract

Molecular recognition is one of the most important phenomena in Chemistry and Biology. Here we present a new way of enantiomeric molecular recognition using intrinsically chiral semiconductor nanocrystals as assays. Real-time confocal microscopy studies supported by circular dichroism spectroscopy data and theoretical modelling indicate an ability of left-handed molecules of cysteine and, to a smaller extent, histidine and arginine to discriminate between surfaces of left- and right-handed nanocrystals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cadmium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Cysteine / chemistry*
  • Quantum Dots / chemistry*
  • Selenium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Cadmium Compounds
  • Selenium Compounds
  • cadmium selenide
  • Cysteine