Protein-directed solution-phase green synthesis of BSA-conjugated M(x)Se(y) (M = Ag, Cd, Pb, Cu) nanomaterials.

Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-conjugated M(x)Se(y) (M = Ag, Cd, Pb, Cu) nanomaterials with different shapes and sizes were synthesized in water at room temperature by a protein-directed, solution-phase, green synthetic method. The method features very low energy consumption and nontoxic reagents with high yields of concentrated nanoparticles. The obtained bioconjugated nanoparticles have good dispersibility, bioactivity, and biocompatibility. In addition, various functional groups of protein on the surface of the nanocrystals are suitable for further biological interactions or couplings, which is very important for further biological applications.