Doped Biomolecules in Miniaturized Electric Junctions
Author(s):
Elad Mentovitch, Bogdan Belgorodsky, Michael Gozin, Shachar Ritcher, Hagai Cohen
Journal:
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Year:
2012
Volume:
134
Pages
8468–8473
DOI:
10.1021/ja211790u
Abstract:
Control over molecular scale electrical properties within nano junctions is demonstrated, utilizing site-directed C60 targeting into protein macromolecules as a doping means. The protein molecules, self-assembled in a miniaturized transistor device, yield robust and reproducible operation. Their device signal is dominated by an active center that inverts affinity upon guest incorporation and thus controls the properties of the entire macromolecule. We show how the leading routes of electron transport can be drawn, spatially and energetically, on the molecular level and, in particular, how the dopant effect is dictated by its “strategic” binding site. Our findings propose the extension of microelectronic methodologies to the nanometer scale and further present a promising platform for ex situ studies of biochemical processes.