Quantum dot display enhances activity of a phosphotriesterase trimer.

Phosphotriesterase was engineered into a spontaneously forming trimer by appending it to a synthetic collagen-like triple-helix motif. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the insecticide and organophosphate nerve agent simulant paraoxon was then examined. Assembling the phosphotriesterase trimer onto semiconductor quantum dots increased the enzyme's catalytic rate and efficiency.