Immobilization of small proteins in carbon nanotubes: high-resolution transmission electron microscopy study and catalytic activity

Abstract

The morphologies of the small proteins Zn₂Cd₅-metallothionein, cytochrome c₃ and β-lactamase I immobilized inside carbon nanotubes have been studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM); single protein molecules and their associated forms were clearly observed inside the central cavity and a significant amount remained catalytically active indicating that no drastic conformational change had taken place.