Molecular interfacing for protein molecular devices and neurodevices

Several protein-based molecular biodevices have been made possible by the molecular interfacing technology that enables proteins to electronically communicate with the conventional electronic materials, such as metals or semiconductors. The molecular interfacing technology, however, should be extensively improved to allow for precise designs at the single-molecule level. The molecular-scale design of protein-based molecular biodevices may be accomplished by further innovation in molecular interfacing technology. It is also important to pursue the possibility of utilizing the self-organization of biomolecules for information processing, and to make it possible to create a molecular network-based biodevice without any preprogrammed wiring among its molecules. Major advances have recently been made in basic technology. Yet, it will take some time to construct a prototype neurodevice in which neurons are utilized as components. Further investigations should focus on the development of molecular interfaces that offer bilateral communication between neurons and conventional electronic materials.<>