Biomolecular Memory Device Composed of Cytochrome c on a Self-Assembled 11-Mercaptoundecanoic Acid Layer

Abstract

In this study, we developed an advanced molecular memory device that was based on covalently attaching cytochrome c/11-mercaptoundecanoic acid to Au surfaces. Cytochrome c has redox properties, which can be used to store information when coupled into a molecular device. Cytochrome c was immobilized onto Au substrates using the chemical linker 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid. The immobilization of cytochrome c was verified by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and the structure of immobilized cytochrome c was determined by scanning tunneling microscopy. In addition, the redox properties of the cytochrome c layer was verified by cyclic voltammetry. Furthermore, the two states memory characteristics of the fabricated film was demonstrated using chronoamperomemtry and the three states memory performance of the device was assessed using open circuit potential amperomemtry. Based on the combined results of this study, it could be concluded that the cytochrome c layer could be used as a nanobiochip platform for memory storage. (C) 2010 The Japan Society of Applied Physics