Probing the electronic transport properties of individual fullerene-DNA complexes

Abstract

In the context of adapting to the miniaturization trend on electronics, we present an environmentally friendly solution: the use of DNA as electrical nanowires for developing even more complex integrated circuits. The fact that DNA is composed of carbon, phosphor and sugars, readily available on our daily life makes them not only environmentally friendly but also cost effective. Additionally, the length and complexity of the structure can be easily controlled and, besides DNA is a very stable molecule. Thus, replacement of semiconductor interconnections (wires) for DNA nanowires would result in a more ecological and cost-effective solution. In this thesis, stable single fullerene-DNA molecules that transport electrical charges exclusively along the DNA have been produced. When charges are injected on DNA [from -1 V to +1 V] a symmetrical-semiconductor I-V profile is displayed, indicating that charges hop along the DNA towards the fullerene ends. This is an indication that DNA wires can be used as nanoscale semiconductor wires for prospective nano-devices a low range of power supply.