Artifical Proteins as Platforms for Electronic Devices
Speaker: Professor Nurit Ashkenasy, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
Series: Topical Seminars
Location:
B418
Date/Time: Friday, November 30, 2012, 2:00 p.m.
- 3:00 p.m.
Abstract:
In recent years there is a great interest in the integration of proteins within electronic devices. Since proteins did not naturally evolve to carry out such tasks, the targeted design of proteins for these specific applications is of great importance. Our research focuses on the design and preparation of simple artificial protein systems for molecular electronics applications.
In the first part of the talk I will present the design and characterization of artificial protein molecular junctions. Our designs are based on common protein motifs, such as ?-helices and ?-sheets. The role of proteins' structure in determining electrical characteristics of the junctions will be demonstrated. I will then present the use of peptide binders, which were selected by biological combinatorial libraries screening tests, for the construction of hybrid organic-inorganic devices. I will show that these peptides can be used both to template the growth and patterning of devices and to control and modify their electronic properties. Our studies demonstrate the great potential of the use of specifically designed proteins as components of electronic devices.
