Nano-reagents with cooperative catalysis and their uses in multiple phase reactions
Nano-reagents with catalytic activity are provided herein. The nanocatalyst comprises at least one amino acid attached to a nanoparticle, wherein the reactive side chain of the amino acid catalyzes a chemical or biological reaction. Methods of using these nano-reagents to catalyze reactions in solution or in multiple phases are also provided, as are methods of making these nanocatalysts.
1. A nanocatalyst comprising at least one individual amino acid attached to a nanoparticle, wherein each individual amino acid is independently attached to the nanoparticle and has a reactive side chain that catalyzes a chemical reaction.
2. The nanocatalyst of claim 1 , wherein the at least one individual amino acid is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, histidine, lysine, and serine.
3. The nanocatalyst of claim 1 , wherein the at least one individual amino acid is attached to the nanoparticle directly.
4. The nanocatalyst of claim 1 , wherein the at least one individual amino acid is attached to the nanoparticle by a linker.
5. The nanocatalyst of claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticle is coated with a polymer, and the at least one individual amino acid is attached to the nanoparticle via the polymer.
6. The nanocatalyst of claim 4 , wherein the nanoparticle is a metal oxide and the linker is selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a diol, a carboxylic acid, and a hydroxide.
7. The nanocatalyst of claim 6 , wherein the nanoparticle comprises iron oxide, the linker comprises silicon hydroxide, and at least two different amino acids are attached to the nanoparticle.
8. The nanocatalyst of claim 6 , wherein the nanoparticle comprises iron oxide, the linker comprises dopamine, and at least two different amino acids are attached to the nanoparticle.
9. The nanocatalyst of claim 8 , wherein the amino acids are aspartic acid and histidine in a one to one ratio.