Biologically Inspired Hybrid Nanodevices

Abstract

The exploration and exploitation of biologic modes of design and self-assembly are now studies of both greater urgency and ease, as the tools for manipulation and visualization of nanoscale materials become increasingly available. Engineering biologically inspired nanoscale devices encompasses a wide variety of research, from current nanomaterials such as gecko tape, self-cleaning glass, and artificial shark skin [1], to the mechanics of how biological molecules such as proteins, enzymes, DNA and RNA can function as analogous man-made structures . In this chapter, we will briefly examine a sample of these technologies and follow up with current related research. We will discuss what can be gleaned from these emerging technologies, focusing primarily on biomimetic proteinbased devices. Finally, we will present our research efforts in the area of biocomputation and extend this discussion to the prospects of future applications.Engineering hybrid nanoscale devices requires the concurrent application of technology from a variety of fields. Incorporating varying levels of organization is central to creating functional biomimetic materials. The common thread among biological nano-hybrid devices is the need to exploit natural self-assembly schemes that have evolved over the millennia to build complex structures. Often, utilizing such a self-assembly scheme is sufficient, but optimum form may not always follow natural function, and producing devices which convert chemical energy to electricity, or light into chemical energy such as ATP can improve on Nature's design through engineering. Here, we show two bodies of work, including protein-based devices and cellular power generation, the common theme being a fusion of biologic molecules with synthetic structures to produce nanoscale hybrid devices. 401 Nanobiotechnology II. Edited by Chad A. Mirkin and Christof M. Niemeyer