Induced Chirality and Reversible Assembly of QDs Using Thermoresponsive Elastin-Like Polypetides

In this presentation, we report a novel approach to identifying QD-biomolecule interactions by inducing chirality in CdS QDs using thermoresponsive elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs). Our method is based on a versatile two-step ligand exchange process starting from monodisperse oleate-capped QDs in non-polar media and proceeding through an easily accessed achiral glycine-capped QD intermediate. Successful conjugation of the ELPs onto the QDs is confirmed by the diagnostic CD response corresponding to the QD electronic transitions in the visible range. The resulting ELP:CdS conjugates demonstrate thermally reversible coacervation, as observed through dynamic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy. This research provides a foundation for using induced chirality in QD electronic transitions to probe QD conjugation to complex polypeptides and proteins, opening pathways for designing dynamic, stimuli-responsive hybrid nanomaterials.