A novel kind of single protein nanoparticles (FluoDots) with tunable size are reported here, which have a central protein core surrounded by a covalently linked lipid layer. The size is tunable at 2.5 Å resolution with a sharp size distribution. These particles are negatively charged and FluoDots of increasing size have a similar charge. The FluoDots retain the structure of the protein embedded at the core of the particle, but have better thermal stability and a longer shelf time than the constituent protein. The most stable FluoDot retained 60% of the protein secondary structure after steam sterilization at 121 <sup>o</sup>C for 30 min. After labeling with specific fluorescent dyes, FluoDots emit different colors independent of their size, which is a major advantage over quantum dots. In addition, FluoDots that emit white light upon excitation at 366 nm are also produced and these are the first nanoparticle of their kind. FluoDots are water-soluble, non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable, and suitable for biological applications such as LED coatings, cell imaging, solar cell applications, cancer drug delivery, and other biological applications.

Fluorescent single protein nanoparticles with dimensions controlled at angstrom resolution and improved thermal stability

256th National Meeting (2018)

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