Isolation and characterization of biologically metal-doped protein as semiconducting biopolymer

Metal-doped (Cu2O, CdO and PbO) muscle protein from fish (Clarious batracus Lin.) was isolated, purified and characterized for its potential as semiconducting biopolymer. The initial characterization of the isolated protein was carried out by circular dichrosim (CD), FTIR and AAS. Protein thin film was prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and characterized for its surface morphology by SEM/EDAX and crystallinity by XRD spectrum. The physical properties such as Raman shift, optical coefficient and electron transfer reaction such as electrical conductivity, temperature dependent conductivity and cyclic voltammeter (CV) were studied. The present study concludes that the Cd and Cu-doped fish protein behaves like semiconductor and has the potential application in molecular electronics like protein semiconductors, protein based (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell, drug delivery and nanotechnology.