A catalyzing agent is provided that includes a de novo protein bound to a pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), wherein the de novo protein comprises an amino acid sequence matching a binary pattern of polar (P) and nonpolar (N) amino acids, and wherein the de novo protein is a PLP binding de novo Protein. A system is provided for producing a semiconductor nanocrystal that includes a buffer solution containing a metal salt, a sulfur-containing substrate in the buffer solution, and a de novo protein in the buffer solution, wherein the de novo protein comprises an amino acid sequence matching a binary pattern of polar (P) and nonpolar (N) amino acids, and wherein the de novo protein is a PLP binding de novo Protein.