Homogeneous hybrid CdS-cystine composites with different shapes such as side spindle-like, bundle-like, laminar and egg-like have been fabricated in mild conditions using CdS QDs as inorganic unit and L-cysteine as organic unit, in which L-cysteine was oxidated to generate cystine as an organic matrix. It is demonstrated that the morphologies of composites were controllable with pH of reactant solution and concentration of L-cysteine. The morphological evolution and photoluminescence properties of composites have also been explored. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.