Studies on quantum dots synthesized in aqueous solution for biological labeling via electrostatic interaction

3-Mercaptopropyl acid-stabilized CdTe nanoparticles synthesized in aqueous solution are effectively bound to a biomacromolecule, papain, via electrostatic interaction. The conjugation between the nanoparticles and the papain is demonstrated by UV-Vis absorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence micrographs. The biological activity of papain is maintained after the conjugation. The effects of the quantity of papain and the size of nanoparticles on the fluorescence characteristics of the CdTe-papain bioconjugates were studied.