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From cell-to-cell communication to metabolic reactions, ions and protons (H + ) play a central role in many biological processes. Examples of H + in action include oxidative phosphorylation, acid sensitive ion channels, and pH dependent enzymatic reactions. To monitor and control biological reactions in biology and medicine, it is desirable to have electronic devices with ionic and protonic currents. Here, we summarize our latest efforts on bioprotonic devices that monitor and control a current of H + in physiological conditions, and discuss future potential applications. Specifically, we describe the integration of these devices with enzymatic logic gates, bioluminescent reactions, and ion channels.

Fusion of a palladium-binding peptide to an archaeal rhodopsin promotes intimate integration of the lipid-embedded membrane protein with a palladium hydride protonic contact. Devices fabricated with the palladium-binding deltarhodopsin enable light-activated conversion of protonic currents to electronic currents with on/off responses complete in seconds and a nearly tenfold increase in electrical signal relative to those made with the wild-type protein., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A nanomemristor based on SiO(2) is fabricated in situ with spatial control at the nanoscale. The proposed system exhibits peculiar properties such as the possibility to be regenerated after being stressed or damaged and the possibility to expose the metal and the oxide interfaces by removing the top electrodes., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)