Extracellular Biosynthesis of CdSe Quantum Dots by the Fungus, Fusarium Oxysporum

The development of synthetic process for semiconductor nanocomposites is an issue of great interest. While a number of chemical methods are available and are extensively used, they are often energy intensive, employ toxic chemicals, and require higher temperatures. On the other hand, the synthesis of inorganic materials by biological systems is characterized by processes that occur at ambient temperature and pressure. We report for the first time the synthesis of highly luminescent CdSe quantum dots at room temperature by the fungus, Fusarium oxysporum when incubated with a mixture of CdCl₂ and SeCl₄.