This roadmap outlines the role semiconductor-based materials play in understanding the complex biophysical dynamics at multiple length scales, as well as the design and implementation of next-generation electronic, optoelectronic, and mechanical devices for biointerfaces. The roadmap emphasizes the advantages of semiconductor building blocks in interfacing, monitoring, and manipulating the activity of biological components, and discusses the possibility of using active semiconductor-cell interfaces for discovering new signaling processes in the biological world.
Refractive index of tubulin is an important parameter underlying fundamental electromagnetic and biophysical properties of microtubules -protein fibers essential for several cell functions including cell division. Yet, the only experimental data available in the current literature show values of tubulin refractive index (n = 2.36 -2.90) which are much higher than established theories predict based on the weighted contribution of the polarizability of individual amino acids constituting the protein. To resolve this controversy, we report here modeling and rigorous experimental analysis of refractive index of purified tubulin dimer. Our experimental data revealed that the refractive index of tubulin is n = 1.64 at the wavelength 589 nm and 25 • C, that is much closer to the values predicted by established theories than the earlier experimental data provide.
Nanosecond pulsed electric field offers novel opportunities in bionanotechnology and biomedicine enabling ultrafast physical control of membrane, and protein‐based processes for the development of novel bionanomaterials and biomedical theranostic methods. However, the mechanisms of nanosecond pulsed electric field action at the nano‐ and molecular scale are not fully understood due to lack of appropriate research tools. In order to overcome this challenge, a technological platform for the exploration of these mechanisms in live biological samples is provided here. This paper describes step by step the proposed chip platform, including the design, fabrication, installation, and testing of the chip. The developed chip is capable of delivering hundreds of volts of nanosecond electric pulses compared to conventional chips using few volts. Moreover, the chip is fully integrated into a super‐resolution microscope. Later on, the chip function is demonstrated by affecting microtubule architecture in living cells. Therefore, the chip‐based technological advancement enables the assessment of pulsed electric field effects on bionanostructures and observing their effects in real‐time. The results contribute to the chip‐based high‐frequency bioelectronics technology for modulating the function of biological matter at the nanoscale level.
84.40.-x -Radiowave and microwave (including millimeter wave) technology PACS 47.10.-g -General theory in fluid dynamicsAbstract -Elucidating the physical and chemical parameters that govern viscous damping of nanoresonator vibrations and their coupling to electromagnetic radiation is important for understanding the behavior of matter at the nanoscale. Here we develop an analytical model of microwave absorption of a longitudinally oscillating and electrically polar rod-like nanoresonator embedded in a viscoelastic fluid. We show that the slip length, which can be tuned via surface modifications, controls the quality factor and coupling of nanoresonator vibration modes to microwave radiation. We demonstrate that the larger slip length brings the sharper frequency response of the nanoresonator vibration and electromagnetic absorption. Our findings contribute to design guidelines of fluid embedded nanoresonator devices.
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