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Nature uses 20 canonical amino acids as building blocks to make proteins, combining their sequences to create complex molecules that perform biological functions.
Quantum dots are fluorescent nanocrystals used in electronic applications from LED screens to solar panels. A team of Princeton chemists led by Michael Hecht and Gregory Scholes have created a new protein that accelerates — and improves the environmental friendliness of — the synthesis of quantum dots. Quantum dots are normally made in industrial settings with high temperatures and toxic, expensive solvents, but the Princeton team pulled off the process in the lab using water as a solvent, making a stable end-product at room temperature.