Microelectronic arrays and electric field assisted self-assembly of component structures for micro/nanofabrication applications

In general, molecular or nanoelectronic devices and systems are envisioned as the near-term applications of nanotechnology. The main issue with enabling molecular electronics is likely to be the development of a viable technology which will allow molecular or nanoelectronic components to be assembled and interconnected into useful logic/memory devices and systems. We are currently involved in the development of active microelectronic DNA arrays for applications in genomic research and DNA diagnostics. When specific DNA hybridization reactions are carried out on the array, the device is actually using electric fields to direct the self-assembly of DNA molecules at the specified microlocation on the chip surface. Microelectronic arrays have been used to demonstrate the organization of complex fluorescent DNA molecular structures and mechanisms within selected microlocations on the array device. Thus, in principle these active devices are serving as semiconductor hosts or motherboards for the nanofabrication of DNA derived component molecules into more complex structures. While we have been primarily developing active microelectronic chips for genomic research and DNA diagnostic applications, their ability to transport nanostructures, cells, and micron-size structures has not escaped our attention. Thus, for nanofabrication applications we believe that these microelectronic arrays can serve as host substrates for the organization of various DNA derived components into more complex 2D/3D structures.