Ambipolar transistors based on azurin proteins.

Abstract

A new type of transistor is presented. It is realised by using a metalloprotein; namely, azurin. Thanks to their natural functional characteristics, which involve inter- and intramolecular electron transfer, metalloproteins are good candidates for biomolecular nanoelectronics. The implementation of a prototype of protein transistor operating in air and in the solid state based on self-organised films of azurins is reported. Experimental current-voltage characteristics are shown. The new device presents an ambipolar behaviour as the gate bias voltage is changed. Exploiting this peculiar characteristic, a fully integrated logic gate which can be a good starting point for a new class of nanoelectronics devices has been realised.