Programmable Assembly of Nanoscale Circuit Components Within Living Cells
Abstract
Advanced artificial computational platforms from inorganic semiconductor-based electronic devices represent the backbone of all modern technologies, and thus, underpin the logistical and operational capabilities of the Department of Defense and the Navy. Given the predicted breakdown of Moores Law for such system, significant research effort has focused on the development of protein- and DNA-based nanoscale circuit components because these biomolecules feature impressive self-assembly properties and can afford unrivaled architectural control. However, despite much progress, biomacromolecule-based computational platforms remain in their infancy and still often struggle with an inadequate understanding of structure-function relationships, the design/incorporation of well-defined conductive components, overall device fabrication reproducibilities/yields, and robustness/stability under repeated electrical interrogation. Nonetheless, recent findings have raised the tantalizing possibility of introducing programmable protein-based nanoscale electrical circuitry into living cells, thereby bridging the fields of organic bioelectronic devices and natural cellular and molecular biology. Herein, we proposed to design proteins for the development of nanoscale circuit components, e.g. resistors, diodes, and n-type or p-type field effect transistors, both in vitro and in vivo. We describe a strategy for validation of our designs via production of chimeric proteins, self-assembly of such biomolecules into nanoscale structures, and electrical interrogation of devices from these structures at solid substrates and in living cells. Taken together, the described work constitutes a foundation for the ultimate development of hybrid living cellular computational platforms that merge the most desirable properties and capabilities of both artificial and natural systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 08, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012265
Entities
People
- Alon Gorodetsky
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy