Solubilization and functionalization of carbon nanotubes without compromising their excellent physicochemical properties is a challenge that needs to be addressed for realizing many applications of carbon nanotubes. Here we report the design of individually dispersed single-walled carbon nanotubeprotein conjugates in aqueous solutions. The conjugates were characterized using absorption spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed the presence of protein-functionalized, individually dispersed SWNTs in water. Furthermore, the proteins immobilized onto the SWNTs also retained their bioactivity. Applications of these water-soluble SWNT-protein conjugates will also be discussed.
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