Bacteriorhodopsin the basis of molecular superfast nanoelectronics

Abstract

We give some perspectives on the possibilities for application of the bacteriorhodopsin (BR) molecule in the development of nanoelectronic devices in conjunction with photonic crystals—materials with inhibited photonic band. This involves the use of a single BR molecule by ‘changing’ the photon gradient formation with externally initiated electric fields, preserving the mechanisms of negative reverse communication, or the use of an intermolecular mechanism of photo transitions and dependence on the electric field. Greatly enhanced optical responses, linear and nonlinear, in metal nanocomposites and nanodiamond containing nanoscale surface features have been intensively studied in recent years. These results foreshadow fascinating possibilities for linear and nonlinear local spectroscopy of single molecules. Use of photonic crystals (at present the only technologically realized three-dimensional photonic crystals are the opal matrices) suggests the possible application of a number of physical phenomena.

Quantification of Short and Medium Range Order in Mixed Network Former Glasses of the System GeO2–NaPO3: A Combined NMR and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study

“…Germanium oxide containing glasses are characterized by their high refractive index, low phonon energies, and sensitivity to UV photon irradiation. , Glasses of this kind have considerable application in optical fiber telecommunications, Bragg gratings, nonlinear optical devices, and optical waveguides. − Likewise, phosphate glasses are widely used in optical communications, solid state lasers, optical switching devices, and three-dimensional (3D) displays, because of the high solubility of rare earth ions in them. − Furthermore, their high ion conductivity makes them interesting candidates for solid electrolyte applications . In analogy to the situation in germanate/silicate glasses, glasses based on mixed germanate/phosphate networks have attracted technological interest because of the possibility of fine-tuning physical properties by adjusting the chemical composition. ,− To provide a structural rationale for these effects, detailed spectroscopic characterization is essential.…”

Nano-biophotonic hybrid materials with controlled FRET efficiency engineered from quantum dots and bacteriorhodopsin

“…bR has evolved as a protein extremely resistant to thermal, chemical, and photochemical degradations, which makes it one of the most promising candidates for the development of protein-based devices [1,5]. As such, it has been used for the development of photoreceivers [8], transceivers [9], optical switches [10], molecular engines [11], and electronic switches [12] and was also used for light-driven production of ATP [13]. bR is adapted to its biological function, but it should be re-engineered to meet the requirements for industrial hybrid materials used in competitive nanophotonic and photovoltaic applications.…”

Controlled FRET efficiency in nano-bio hybrid materials made from semiconductor quantum dots and bacteriorhodopsin

“…bR has evolved as a protein extremely resistant to thermal, chemical, and photochemical degradation, which makes it one of the most promising candidates for development of protein-based devices 1,5 . As such, it has been used for development of photoreceivers 8 , transceivers 9 , optical switches 10 , molecular engines 11 , and electronic switches 12 and was also used for light-driven production of ATP 13 .…”