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Content archived on 2024-05-27

DNA-based electronics

Objective

The objective of this proposal is the development of DNA-based electronics. We will explore the electronic properties of DNA, use DNA as a template for other electronic molecular components, assemble DNA molecular devices, and characterise the electrical performance of these. Single molecule electric conduction studies will provide insight into the so far poorly understood mechanistic issues. We will establish first prototype single DNA molecule electronic devices. The joint interdisciplinary effort comprises the strongest European groups in the field, and spans the entire range from research focussed on a deep understanding of the basic processes to application and commercialisation by an industrial company.

OBJECTIVES
The central objective of this joint proposal is the development of DNA-based electronics. The project will focus on:
(i) exploring the electronic properties of DNA;
(ii) using DNA as a template for other electronic molecular components;
(iii) assembling DNA molecular devices, and (iv) characterising the electrical performance of these. Single molecule electric conduction studies will provide insight in the poorly understood mechanistic and dynamic issues. We will establish first prototype single-DNA-molecule electronic devices. This is a project with great scientific and technological challenges. We are confident to realise the goals however, because we have managed to bring together a consortium of the strongest European groups active in this area.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Current microelectronics is rigorously based on silicon. This will remain so far at least a decade. However, after that, major problems are foreseen with the further miniaturisation of the Si devices, both because of problems of technical nature as well as cost management. Alternative approaches should therefore be explored. DNA-based electronics is a prime example of an entirely alternative approach. It will take advantage of the unprecedented recognition and assembling properties of DNA. We expect to b able to produce prototype devices that allow estimating the feasibility of electronics based on DNA, The results are also expected to have an impact in DNA-chip technology. It is the goal of this proposal to understand the mechanism of charge transport n DNA with the aim to develop a novel DNA technology that exploits controlled charge migration. On this basis of deep insight into the detailed problems on which this technology inevitable has to touch, we are confident that our approach will help to cut down the strong overweight of the United Stated activities in the developments DNA chips and DNA electronics. The NID pro-active initiative calls for innovative research aimed at the development of new concepts for information processing systems operation at the nano-scale, in particular those involving radically new approaches and cross-disciplinary integration. In our opinion, the current proposal on DNA-based electronics is exactly that

Keywords

Call for proposal

Data not available

Coordinator

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT
EU contribution
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Address
JULIANALAAN 134
2628 BL DELFT
Netherlands

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Total cost
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Participants (4)