Biomolecular Hybrid Devices

Lalit M Bharadwaj, Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Chandigarh, India

Abstract: The convergence of nanotechnology with information technology, modern biology and social sciences will reinvigorate discoveries and innovation in almost all sectors of the economy. Nano-Biotechnology takes advantage of interfacing functional biomolecules with available devices for development of devices with higher performance in terms of selectivity, sensitivity and economics. The life processes and materials have been perfected by nature in billions of years.

DNA is the best nanowire created by the nature which can be tailored for its length, sequence, orientation to obtain desired electrical properties. Electrical properties of DNA w. r. t. sequence, length, environment, orientation etc. are measured by interfacing DNA with micro/nano electrodes covalently. This will find applications for molecular electronics ,sensors and actuators, understanding life processes at molecular level.

Biomolecular motors such as actin-myosin can be used for molecular/nano switching, targeted drug delivery and nano-robotics. In-vitro study of actin-myosin motors have been carried out for various parameters like Biomechanical properties, force measurement, activation and arrest, translocation direction, translocation, velocity etc. The concept of nano-robotics has been demonstrated by cargo transport of polystyrene beads (1-3 micron). Further studies are in progress for precise control of motor movement in micro channels for various applications.

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are being studied for bio-nano sensors and drug delivery applications by interfacing bio-molecules with CNTs. Techniques have been developed for reliable and fast dispersion and fictionalization of CNTs. Functionalized CNTs are interfaced with biomolecules such as DNA, protein etc. AFM, STM, SEM, TEM, Optical tweezer, FTIR, Fluorescence Microscope, famto range IV characterization etc. were used for characterization. Work is in progress for study of bio-activity of bio-interfaced CNTs and their toxicity.

About the speaker: Dr. Lalit M. Bharadwaj is the Deputy Director & Head, Biomolecular Electronics and Nanotechnology, Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR), Chandigarh, INDIA. He has a Master's degree and Ph.D in Physical Chemistry. CSIO has initiated a major program in the area of Biomolecular Electronics and Nanotechnology under his leadership. His present research interest includes DNA Nano Wire based Devices, Biomolecular Electronics, Microcantilever based Diagnostic Kits, Targeted Drug Delivery, Biomolecular Motors, Carbon Nanotubes, Stem Cell Engineering, etc. He has developed new chemically assisted plasma and ion beam etching techniques for semiconductors.

Dr. Bharadwaj has over 65 publications in international journals. He has worked in the area high-resolution electron microscopy of semiconductors at Reims University, France as visiting scientist (high level fellowship) and professor. At Cornell University he has worked on various nano fabrication techniques including electron and ion beam writing. Before joining CSIO, Dr. Bharadwaj was a research associate with All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, where he developed biosensors and enzyme based haemodialyzer.

Presentation slides with audio