Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.139, No.49, 17834-17840, 2017
Site-Specific One-to-One Click Coupling of Single Proteins to Individual Carbon Nanotubes: A Single-Molecule Approach
We report the site-specific coupling of single proteins to individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in solution and with single-molecule control. Using an orthogonal Click reaction, Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) was engineered to contain a genetically encoded azide group and then bound to CNT ends in different configurations: in close proximity or at longer distances from the GFP's functional center. Atomic force microscopy and fluorescence analysis in solution and on surfaces at the single-protein level confirmed the importance of bioengineering optimal protein attachment sites to achieve direct protein-nanotube communication and bridging.