Bio-inspired conducting peptide nanowires for bioelectronic applications (2015–2018)
Abstract:
Some bacteria possess a natural conductive tail constructed from proteins (called a nanowire) that has
metal-like conductivity. The electrical signals in these nanowires are carried through aromatic groups in the
peptides and/or attached cytochromes. This proposal addresses the design and assembly of conducting
peptide-based fibrils inspired by these nanowires. We have already shown that peptides can, by design, selfassemble
into long thermostable fibrils that support cell growth and development. Our goal is now to create
cost-effective, non-toxic, conducting peptide fibrils that can be used in water or physiological environments
for bioelectronics applications.