A three-step process for BZnOs fabrication was designed. At the
first step, the BSA–Zn2+ complex was reduced by sodium borohydride
to form the BSA-conjugated zinc units, and they further self assembled
into the BSA-conjugated precursors at the second step. It
has been well documented that BSA is a globular protein with a size of
about 7 nm in diameter. Therefore, BSA was expected as the structure
directing agent to control the morphology and size of the precursors.
At the third step, the precursors could transform into the BZnOs