Enzymatic deposition and alteration of metals
AssigneeNanoprobes, Inc.
InventorJames F. Hainfeld
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods and materials for utilizing enzymes to act on metal ions in solution so that the ions are reduced to metal. Additionally, disclosed is how to use enzymes to accumulate metal particles. The alteration of metal particles by enzymes interacting with the organic shell of the particles is also described. These methods enable a wide range of applications including sensitive detection of genes and proteins, use as probes for microscopy, nanofabrication, biosensors, and remediation.
Claims23
A method of producing metal in a zero oxidation state from metal ions, comprising:
- providing metal ions of at least one metal selected from cesium, periodic table group 1b, 2a, 4a and 8, an oxygen containing oxidizing agent and a reducing agent selected from at least one of hydroquinone, a hydroquinone derivative or n-propyl gallate;
- providing an oxido-reductase enzyme;
- combining the enzyme with the metal ions, oxidizing agent and reducing agent;
- and
- reducing at least some of the metal ions to metal in a zero oxidation state.
A method of producing metal in a zero oxidation state, comprising:
- providing a first oxido-reductase enzyme;
- combining the first enzyme with a first substrate to form a second substrate;
- combining a second oxido-reductase enzyme with the second substrate and a solution of metal ions of at least one metal selected from cesium, periodic table group 1b, 2a, 4a and 8 and an oxygen containing oxidizing agent and a reducing agent selected from at least one of hydroquinone, a hydroquinone derivative or n-propyl gallate;
- and
- reducing at least some of the metal ions to metal in a zero oxidation state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.