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Although the intrinsic characteristics of DNA molecules and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are well known, fabrication methods and physical characteristics of CNT-embedded DNA thin films are rarely investigated. We report the construction and characterization of carboxyl (–COOH) group-modified multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT–COOH)-embedded DNA and cetyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride-modified DNA (DNA–CTMA) composite thin films. Here, we examine the structural, compositional, chemical, spectroscopic, and electrical characteristics of DNA and DNA–CTMA thin films consisting of various concentrations of MWCNT–COOH. The MWCNT–COOH-embedded DNA and DNA–CTMA composite thin films may offer a platform for developing novel optoelectronics, energy harvesting, and sensing applications in physical, chemical, and biological sciences.

Although DNA (low-cost, highly transparent, low optical loss, biodegradable, non-toxic, and highly flexible) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs, exhibiting interband transition and localized surface plasmon resonance) have been intensively studied, DNA with Au NPs in photodetectors is rarely discussed. Here, we constructed salmon DNA (SDNA) thin films and incorporated Au NPs to demonstrate efficient and high-performance UV photodetectors. The Au NP-embedded SDNA thin films were characterized with UV–vis absorption, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and conductivity measurements in order to understand their physical and chemical properties. The FTIR and XPS measurements elucidated how Au NPs become embedded in SDNA, through analysis of chemical binding and chemical composition. A current increase was observed under UV illumination when performing conductivity measurements. In addition, photovoltage measurements were conducted to investigate the significance of photoresponse and retention characteristics. The density of d-band electrons in Au NPs and the charge carriers in SDNA were observed to increase under UV illumination, followed by a significantly enhanced UV photoresponse. From our observations, the photovoltage displayed a flat response over time, which indicated their stability, durability, and high Au NP retention.

In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of constructing DNA nanostructures (i.e. DNA rings and double-crossover (DX) DNA lattices) with appropriate doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) concentration and reveal significant characteristics for specific applications, especially in the fields of biophysics, biochemistry and medicine. DOX-intercalated DNA rings and DX DNA lattices are fabricated on a given substrate using the substrate-assisted growth method. For both DNA rings and DX DNA lattices, phase transitions from crystalline to amorphous, observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) occurred above a certain concentration of DOX (at a critical concentration of DOX, 30 μM of [DOX]C) at a fixed DNA concentration. Additionally, the coverage percentage of DNA nanostructures on a given substrate is discussed in order to understand the crystal growth mechanism during the course of annealing. Lastly, we address the significance of optical absorption and photoluminescence characteristics for determining the appropriate DOX binding to DNA molecules and the energy transfer between DOX and DNA, respectively. Both measurements provide evidence of DOX doping and [DOX]C in DNA nanostructures.

Graphene-based device/sensor made of multifunctional nanomaterials is an emerging technology due to its huge impact on the engineering materials. Herein, we report the synthesis of pristine SnO2, Al-doped SnO2 (Al–SnO2), and graphene-embedded Al–SnO2 (G–Al–SnO2) nanotubes by one-step electrospinning method and studied their physical and gas sensing characteristics. The synthesized tubular structure was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Structural, chemical binding, pore size, and chemical composition/elemental states were estimated by the X-ray diffraction, Raman, BET, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The performance of the gas sensing based on SnO2, Al–SnO2, and G–Al–SnO2 materials for H2 detection was investigated, and the G–Al–SnO2 composite nanotubes exhibit the superior sensitivity at 300 °C. The sensing response reaches about 23.8 at H2 concentration of 100 ppm with a shorter response time of about 2.2 s and recovery time of about 1.4 s. The gas sensing performance of the G–Al–SnO2 nanotubes is much better than that of the pristine SnO2 and Al–SnO2 nanotubes, which is probably attributed to the relatively smaller diameter of about 100 nm, better thermal and electronic conductivity, and relatively high oxygen vacancy, induced by graphene and Al-doping. The prepared H2 sensor is a simple, compact and highly sensitive, which holds high promising in many fields.

DNA is one of the most propitious biomaterials for use in nanoscience and nanotechnology because of its exceptional characteristics, i.e. self-assembly and sequence-programmability. In this study, we fabricate sequence-designed double-crossover (DX) DNA lattices and naturally available salmon DNA (SDNA) thin films modified with the transition metal ion Mn2+. Phase transition of DX DNA lattices from crystalline to amorphous form controlled by varying the concentration of Mn2+ is discussed and a critical transition concentration ([Mn2+]C) is estimated. In addition, the electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of Mn2+-modified SDNA thin films including current, absorbance, photoluminescence, the X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and magnetization are studied to understand their conductivity, binding modes, energy transfer characteristics, chemical composition, and magnetism. Interestingly, the physical values such as the maximum current and photoluminescence, and the minimum absorbance, occur at around [Mn2+]C =4 mM, which may be due to the optimal incorporation of Mn2+ into the SDNA. The magnetization and susceptibility of SDNA thin films with Mn2+, served as magnetic dipoles, are studied under different temperature and magnetic field. The magnetization of SDNA thin films with [Mn2+]C shows an S-shaped curve, indicating ferromagnetism.

We fabricated divalent-metal-ion-modified DNA double-crossover (DX) lattices on a glass substrate and studied their magnetic characteristics as a function of ion concentrations [Co 2+ ], [Ni 2+ ] and [Zn 2+ ]. Up to certain critical concentrations, the DNA DX lattices with ions revealed discrete S-shaped hysteresis, i.e. characteristics of strong ferromagnetism, with significant changes in the coercive field, remanent magnetization, and susceptibility. Induced magnetic dipoles formed by metal ions in DNA duplex in the presence of a magnetic field imparted ferromagnetic behaviour. By considering hysteresis and the magnitude of magnetization in a magnetization-magnetic field curve, Co 2+ -modified DNA DX lattices showed a relatively strong ferromagnetic nature with an increasing (decreasing) trend of coercive field and remanent magnetization when [Co 2+ ] ≤ 1 mM ([Co 2+ ] > 1 mM). In contrast, Ni 2+ and Zn 2+ -modified DNA DX lattices exhibited strong and weak ferromagnetic behaviours at lower (≤1 mM for Ni 2+ and ≤0.5 mM for Zn 2+ ) and higher (>1 mM for Ni 2+ and >0.5 mM for Zn 2+ ) concentrations of ions, respectively. About 1 mM of [Co 2+ ], [Ni 2+ ] and [Zn 2+ ] in DNA DX lattices was of special interest with regard to physical characteristics and was identified to be an optimum concentration of each ion. Finally, we measured the temperature-dependent magnetic characteristics of the metal-ion-modified DNA DX lattices. Nonzero magnetization and inverse susceptibility with almost constant values were observed between 25 and 300 K, with no indication of a magnetic transition. This indicated that the magnetic Curie temperatures of Co 2+ , Ni 2+ and Zn 2+ -modified DNA DX lattices were above 300 K.

This article reports the electrical characteristics of pristine, polycrystalline and single crystalline nickel (Ni) layer capped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires. Core/shell ZnO/Ni nanostructures were developed using chemical vapor deposition and e-beam evaporation, and the structures were annealed at different temperatures. Field effect transistor (FET) devices were fabricated using photolithography and investigated their characteristics at room temperature. All FET devices exhibited depletion-mode characteristics with n-type conductivity. However, single-crystalline Ni shelled ZnO nanowires based FET devices showed a high on/off ratio and transconductance, as compared to other devices. The overall measurements show that though the ZnO nanowires capped with Ni layer, their electrical properties remain same as pristine ZnO nanowires.

The main aim of doping DNA lattices with lanthanide ions (Ln-DNA complex) is to change the physical functionalities for specific target applications such as electronics and biophotonics. Ln–DNA complexes based on a double-crossover DNA building block were fabricated on glass using a substrate-assisted growth method. We demonstrated the structural stability of Ln–DNA complexes as a function of Ln ion concentration by the atomic force microscopy. The Ln ion doping in DNA lattices was examined using a chemical reduction process, and the electrical characteristics of Ln–DNA complexes were tested using a semiconductor parameter analyzer. The structural phase transition of DNA lattices from the crystalline to amorphous phases occurred at a certain critical concentration of each Ln ion. Ln ions in DNA lattices are known to be intercalated between the base pairs and bound with phosphate backbones. When DNA lattices are properly doped with Ln ions, Ln–DNA complexes revealed the complete deformation with chemical reduction process by ascorbic acid. The current increased up to a critical Ln ion concentration and then decreased with further increasing Ln ions. Ln–DNA complexes will be useful in electronics and photonics because of their unique physical characteristics.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) doped with transition metal ions shows great versatility for molecular-based biosensors and bioelectronics. Methodologies for developing DNA lattices (formed by synthetic double-crossover tiles) and DNA layers (used by natural salmon) doped with vanadium ions (V3+), as well as an understanding of the physical characteristics of V3+-doped DNA nanostructures, are essential in practical applications in interdisciplinary research fields. Here, DNA lattices and layers doped with V3+ are constructed through substrate-assisted growth and drop-casting methods. In addition, enhanced physical characteristics such as the band gap energy, work function, dielectric constant, and susceptibility of V3+-doped DNA nanostructures with varying V3+ concentration ([V 3+ ]) are investigated. The critical concentration ([V 3+ ]C ) at a given amount of DNA was predicted based on an analysis of the phase transition of DNA lattices from crystalline to amorphous with specific [V 3+ ]. Generally, the [V 3+ ]C provided crucial information on the structural stability and extremum physical characteristics of V3+-doped DNA nanostructures due to the optimum incorporation of V3+ into DNA. We obtained the optical absorption spectra for energy band gap estimation; Raman spectra for identifying the preferential coordination sites of V3+ in DNA; x-ray photoelectron spectra to examine the chemical state, chemical composition, and functional groups; and ultraviolet photoelectron spectra to estimate the work function. In addition, we addressed the electrical properties (i.e. current, capacitance, dielectric constant, and storage energy) and magnetic properties (magnetic field-dependent and temperature-dependent magnetizations and susceptibility) of DNA layers in the presence of V3+. The development of biocompatible materials with specific optical, electrical, and magnetic properties is required for future applications because they must have designated functionality, high efficiency, and affordability.

Researchers have started to recognize that biomaterial-based devices and sensors can be used in the development of high-performing environmentally-friendly technologies. In this regard, DNA can be utilized as a competent scaffold for hosting functional nanomaterials to develop a designated platform in the field of bionanotechnology. Here, we introduce a novel methodology to construct CTMA-modified DNA nanolayers (CDNA NLs) embedded with single (e.g., red, green, and blue), double (violet, yellow, and orange), and triple (white) iridium-based organic light-emitting materials (OLEMs, including Ir(piq)2(acac) for red, Ir(ppy)2(acac) for green, FIrpic for blue) that can serve as active light-emitting layers. The OLEM-embedded CDNA NLs were fabricated using simple solution processes, and their spectral properties were investigated via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), UV-Vis, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. FTIR analysis of OLEM-embedded CDNA NLs suggested that the complexes are stable and chemically inert. XPS revealed the various modes of interaction between OLEMs and CDNA. The evidence of interactions between blue OLEM and CDNA was demonstrated by peak shifts. The wide band gap characteristics (∼4.76 eV) and relatively high optical quality (no absorption in the visible region) of OLEM-embedded CDNA NLs were observed in UV-Vis absorption measurements. We observed PL emission in OLEM-embedded CDNA NLs, which was caused by the energy transfer from CDNA to OLEMs (ligand-centered and metal to ligand charge transfer). Lastly, a white light-emitting OLEM-embedded CDNA thin film was constructed using a combination of appropriate concentrations of red, green, and blue OLEMs. Its characteristic was demonstrated through spectral measurements. In addition, colour coordinates were plotted in the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) colour space, which confirmed the colour identity for the developed colours (including white). Consequently, the OLEM-embedded CDNA NLs can likely be used as a functional material in bio-imaging and bio-photonics.

Single crystalline tin(II) sulfide (SnS) nanowires are synthesized using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with the support of gold as catalyst. Field emission electron microscopy studies show that SnS nanostructures grown at temperatures between 600 and 700 °C have wire-like morphology. These nanowires have an average diameter between 12 and 15 nm with lengths up to several microns. These NWs consist of uniform and smooth surfaces, and exhibit nearly stoichiometric chemical composition (Sn/S = 1.13). Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that the NWs consist of single crystalline cubic crystal structure with a preferential growth direction of 〈100〉. Field-effect transistor devices fabricated with SnS nanowires show that the nanowires consist of p-type conductivity along with carrier density of 6 × 1018 cm−3.

Double and triple lanthanide ion (Ln(3+))-doped synthetic double crossover (DX) DNA lattices and natural salmon DNA (SDNA) thin films are fabricated by the substrate assisted growth and drop-casting methods on given substrates. We employed three combinations of double Ln(3+)-dopant pairs (Tb(3+)-Tm(3+), Tb(3+)-Eu(3+), and Tm(3+)-Eu(3+)) and a triple Ln(3+)-dopant pair (Tb(3+)-Tm(3+)-Eu(3+)) with different types of Ln(3+), (i.e., Tb(3+) chosen for green emission, Tm(3+) for blue, and Eu(3+) for red), as well as various concentrations of Ln(3+) for enhancement of specific functionalities. We estimate the optimum concentration of Ln(3+) ([Ln(3+)]O) wherein the phase transition of Ln(3+)-doped DX DNA lattices occurs from crystalline to amorphous. The phase change of DX DNA lattices at [Ln(3+)]O and a phase diagram controlled by combinations of [Ln(3+)] were verified by atomic force microscope measurement. We also developed a theoretical method to obtain a phase diagram by identifying a simple relationship between [Ln(3+)] and [Ln(3+)]O that in practice was found to be in agreement with experimental results. Finally, we address significance of physical characteristics-current for evaluating [Ln(3+)]O, absorption for understanding the modes of Ln(3+) binding, and photoluminescence for studying energy transfer mechanisms-of double and triple Ln(3+)-doped SDNA thin films. Current and photoluminescence in the visible region increased as the varying [Ln(3+)] increased up to a certain [Ln(3+)]O, then decreased with further increases in [Ln(3+)]. In contrast, the absorbance peak intensity at 260 nm showed the opposite trend, as compared with current and photoluminescence behaviors as a function of varying [Ln(3+)]. A DNA thin film with varying combinations of [Ln(3+)] might provide immense potential for the development of efficient devices or sensors with increasingly complex functionality.

We herein report a simple chemical route to prepare Au–Ag and Ag–Au core–shell bimetallic nanostructures by reduction of two kinds of noble metal ions in the presence of a water-soluble polymer such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). PVA was intentionally chosen as it can play a dual role of a supporting matrix as well as stabilizer. The simultaneous reduction of metal ions leads to an alloy type of structure. Ag(c)–Au(s) core–shell structures display tendency to form prismatic nanostructures in conjunction with nanocubes while Au(c)–Ag(s) core–shell structures show formation of merely nanocubes. Although UV–visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of the samples typically suggest the formation of both Ag(c)–Au(s) and Au(c)–Ag(s) bimetallic nanostructures, the definitive evidence comes from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy–high-angle annular dark field elemental mapping in the case of Au(c)–Ag(s) nanomorphs only. The resultant nanocomposite materials are used to fabricate resistors on ceramic rods having two electrodes by drop casting technique. These resistors are examined for their relative humidity (RH) response in the range (2–93% RH) and both the bimetallic nanocomposite materials offer optimized sensitivity of about 20 Kohm/% RH and 300 ohm/% RH at low and higher humidity conditions, respectively, which is better than that of individual nanoparticles.

We fabricated synthetic double-crossover (DX) DNA lattices and natural salmon DNA (SDNA) thin films, doped with 3 combinations of double divalent metal ions (M2+)-doped groups (Co2+-Ni2+, Cu2+-Co2+, and Cu2+-Ni2+) and single combination of a triple M2+-doped group (Cu2+-Ni2+-Co2+) at various concentrations of M2+ ([M2+]). We evaluated the optimum concentration of M2+ ([M2+]O) (the phase of M2+-doped DX DNA lattices changed from crystalline (up to ([M2+]O) to amorphous (above [M2+]O)) and measured the current, absorbance, and photoluminescent characteristics of multiple M2+-doped SDNA thin films. Phase transitions (visualized in phase diagrams theoretically as well as experimentally) from crystalline to amorphous for double (Co2+-Ni2+, Cu2+-Co2+, and Cu2+-Ni2+) and triple (Cu2+-Ni2+-Co2+) dopings occurred between 0.8 mM and 1.0 mM of Ni2+ at a fixed 0.5 mM of Co2+, between 0.6 mM and 0.8 mM of Co2+ at a fixed 3.0 mM of Cu2+, between 0.6 mM and 0.8 mM of Ni2+ at a fixed 3.0 mM of Cu2+, and between 0.6 mM and 0.8 mM of Co2+ at fixed 2.0 mM of Cu2+ and 0.8 mM of Ni2+, respectively. The overall behavior of the current and photoluminescence showed increments as increasing [M2+] up to [M2+]O, then decrements with further increasing [M2+]. On the other hand, absorbance at 260 nm showed the opposite behavior. Multiple M2+-doped DNA thin films can be used in specific devices and sensors with enhanced optoelectric characteristics and tunable multi-functionalities.

Peptide assemblies have received significant attention because of their important role in biology and applications in bionanotechnology. Despite recent efforts to elucidate the principles of peptide self-assembly for developing novel functional devices, peptide self-assembly on two-dimensional nanomaterials has remained challenging. Here, we report nature-inspired two-dimensional peptide self-assembly on pristine graphene via optimization of peptide–peptide and peptide–graphene interactions. Two-dimensional peptide self-assembly was designed based on statistical analyses of >104 protein structures existing in nature and atomistic simulation-based structure predictions. We characterized the structures and surface properties of the self-assembled peptide formed on pristine graphene. Our study provides insights into the formation of peptide assemblies coupled with two-dimensional nanomaterials for further development of nanobiocomposite devices.

To be useful in optoelectronic devices and sensors, a platform comprising stable fluorescence materials is essential. Here we constructed quantum dots (QDs) embedded DNA thin films which aims for stable fluorescence through the stabilization of QDs in the high aspect ratio salmon DNA (SDNA) matrix. Also for maximum luminescence, different concentration and configurations of core- and core/alloy/shell-type QDs were embedded within SDNA. The QD-SDNA thin films were constructed by drop-casting and investigated their optoelectronic properties. The infrared, UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies confirm the embedment of QDs in the SDNA matrix. Absolute PL quantum yield of the QD-SDNA thin film shows the ~70% boost due to SDNA matrix compared to QDs alone in aqueous phase. The linear increase of PL photon counts from few to order of 5 while increasing [QD] reveals the non-aggregation of QDs within SDNA matrix. These systematic studies on the QD structure, absorbance, and concentration- and thickness-dependent optoelectronic characteristics demonstrate the novel properties of the QD-SDNA thin film. Consequently, the SDNA thin films were suggested to utilize for the generalised optical environments, which has the potential as a matrix for light conversion and harvesting nano-bio material as well as for super resolution bioimaging- and biophotonics-based sensors.

DNA obtained from salmon fish exhibits outstanding characteristics such as low-cost, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Salmon DNA (SDNA) can be easily fabricated into free-standing thin films and functionalized by embedment of various nanomaterials such as gold nanoparticles (Au NP), metal ions ( e.g. , Cu 2+ ) and lanthanide ions ( e.g. , Tb 3+ ). Here, free-standing SDNA (FS-SDNA) and nanomaterial-embedded SDNA (FS-NM-SDNA) thin films by casting method were constructed and their tensile properties ( e.g. , stress-strain and Young's modulus) and dynamic mechanical properties ( e.g. , storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″) and tangent of phase angle (tan δ)) were studied. Young's moduli of FS-NM-SDNA thin films were significantly enhanced than those of FS-SDNA possibly due to doping of NMs and variation in water contents. Dynamic mechanical analysis ( i.e. , E′, E″ and tan δ) of FS-SDNA and FS-NM-SDNA thin films as a function of temperature (T) was also performed to understand stiffness and structural stabilities of samples. Noticeable peaks in E″ were assigned to characteristic transition temperatures of FS-SDNA and FS-NM-SDNA such as β-transition, water evaporation, structural deformation and α-transition temperatures. Finally, differences in E′, E″ and tan δ at a given unit T ( i.e. , ΔE'/ΔT, ΔE''/ΔT and Δtan δ/ΔT) were analysed to better understand the transition mechanism.

In order to enhance the applicability and functionality of DNA-based complexes, we introduced hydroxyl (-OH) group-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-OH), which can aid the dispersion and adsorption in the DNA template. Herein, we fabricated MWCNT-OH-combined DNA and cetyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride-modified DNA (C-DNA) layers using the solution-processed method. The distinct chemical and physical characteristics of the MWCNT-OH-combined DNA and C-DNA layers were examined through various characterisation techniques. For instance, the elemental and surface characteristics were analysed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The charge transfer was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the X-ray photoelectron spectra, a negative peak shift was observed, indirectly indicating that the charge transfer from MWCNT?OH to DNA occurred. The vibrational and rotational modes were analysed by Raman spectroscopy, and the characteristic functional group and molecular interaction were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. As expected, we observed four major characteristic Raman bands of MWCNT-OH in the DNA and C-DNA layers which corresponded to the D-, G-, and G'-bands as well as the strain-induced band. Finally, the light absorption, photoluminescence, and electrical characteristics were examined using UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, a photoluminescence mapper, and a probe station, respectively. The absorption in the full spectral range, photoluminescence quenching, and current enhancement of DNA and C-DNA layers combined with MWCNT-OH were influenced by the electrostatic and van der Waals interactions between MWCNT-OH and DNA (C-DNA). Our results will provide a simple protocol for constructing composite layers made of organic and inorganic materials which show novel characteristics with easy controllability.

A bioinspired neuromorphic device operating as synapse and neuron simultaneously, which is fabricated on an electrolyte based on Cu2+-doped salmon deoxyribonucleic acid (S-DNA) is reported. Owing to the slow Cu2+ diffusion through the base pairing sites in the S-DNA electrolyte, the synaptic operation of the S-DNA device features special long-term plasticity with negative and positive nonlinearity values for potentiation and depression (αp and αd), respectively, which consequently improves the learning/recognition efficiency of S-DNA-based neural networks. Furthermore, the representative neuronal operation, "integrate-and-fire," is successfully emulated in this device by adjusting the duration time of the input voltage stimulus. In particular, by applying a Cu2+ doping technique to the S-DNA neuromorphic device, the characteristics for synaptic weight updating are enhanced (|αp|: 31→20, |αd|: 11→18, weight update margin: 33→287 nS) and also the threshold conditions for neuronal firing (amplitude and number of stimulus pulses) are modulated. The improved synaptic characteristics consequently increase the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) pattern recognition rate from 38% to 44% (single-layer perceptron model) and from 89.42% to 91.61% (multilayer perceptron model). This neuromorphic device technology based on S-DNA is expected to contribute to the successful implementation of a future neuromorphic system that simultaneously satisfies high integration density and remarkable recognition accuracy. Published version

For the potential switching bio-memory device application using DNA composite thin film, we fabricated and characterized the transparent and biocompatible resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) device within the structure stacking of Pt/Cu2+ doped salmon DNA/FTO, where Cu2+ doping into salmon DNA was solution-processed. The device shows good bipolar switching characteristics with SET and RESET processes at negative and positive sweeps, respectively, with switching memory window greater than 103 ratios. The device was observed to be in low resistance state as its pristine state and an initial RESET state was necessary to achieve programmable SET and RESET cycles. Based on the electrical characteristics of the Cu2+-doped salmon DNA-based RRAM device we propose a switching mechanism with the formation and rupture of conductive filaments due to the migration of Cu2+ during the electrical stress. Our understanding could contribute to the engineering of biomaterial memory switching medium for the environmentally benign, biocompatible and biodegradable memory storage devices.

Thin films made of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), dissolved in an aqueous solution, and cetyltrimethyl-ammonium-modified DNA (CDNA), dissolved in an organic solvent, utilising multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are not yet well-understood for use in optoelectronic device and sensor applications. In this study, we fabricate MWCNT-integrated DNA and CDNA thin films using the drop-casting method. We also characterise the optical properties (i.e. absorption spectra, Fourier-transform infrared spectra, Raman spectra, photoluminescence, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) to study spectral absorption, interaction, functional group, chirality, and compositional moiety and its distribution of MWCNTs in DNA and CDNA thin films. The electrical property for conductance and the mechanical characterisations of hardness, modulus and elasticity for stability are also discussed. Lastly, to show the feasibility of directional alignment of MWCNTs in DNA thin films, we perform an alignment experiment with MWCNTs in DNA via brushing and shearing methods, and we evaluate the results using polarised optical microscopy. Our simple methodology to align ingredients in DNA and CDNA thin films leveraging various optical, electrical and mechanical properties, provides great potential for the development of efficient devices and sensors.

Here, we report a high performance biosensor based on (i) a Cu2+-DNA/MoS2 hybrid structure and (ii) a field effect transistor, which we refer to as a bio-FET, presenting a high sensitivity of 1.7 × 103 A/A. This high sensitivity was achieved by using a DNA nanostructure with copper ions (Cu2+) that induced a positive polarity in the DNA (receptor). This strategy improved the detecting ability for doxorubicin-like molecules (target) that have a negative polarity. Very short distance between the biomolecules and the sensor surface was obtained without using a dielectric layer, contributing to the high sensitivity. We first investigated the effect of doxorubicin on DNA/MoS2 and Cu2+-DNA/MoS2 nanostructures using Raman spectroscopy and Kelvin force probe microscopy. Then, we analyzed the sensing mechanism and performance in DNA/MoS2- and Cu2+-DNA/MoS2-based bio-FETs by electrical measurements (ID-VG at various VD) for various concentrations of doxorubicin. Finally, successful operation of the Cu2+-DNA/MoS2 bio-FET was demonstrated for six cycles (each cycle consisted of four steps: 2 preparation steps, a sensing step, and an erasing step) with different doxorubicin concentrations. The bio-FET showed excellent reusability, which has not been achieved previously in 2D biosensors.

Complexes formed of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) and trivalent lanthanide ions (Ln 3+ ) promise a combination of high optical gain and low optical loss in an organic polymer host matrix. However, there has been some dispute about the binding mechanism between the DNA helix and the positively-charged lanthanide ions. Here we introduce an attempt to resolve the mechanism for binding through Judd-Ofelt analysis on DNA-Eu 3+ , DNA-Tb 3+ , and DNA-Sm 3+ to first order. From initial Judd-Ofelt parameters extrapolations can be made to the line strengths, Einstein coefficients, and fluorescence lifetimes.

We report on the development of Ni-shielded ZnO nanorod (NR) structures and the impact of the Ni layer on the ZnO NR properties. We developed nickel-capped zinc oxide nanorod (ZnO/Ni NR) structures by e-beam evaporation of Ni and the subsequent annealing of the ZnO/Ni core/shell nanostructures. The core/shell NRs annealed at 400 °C showed superior crystalline and emission properties. More interestingly, with the increase of annealing temperature, the crystallinity of the Ni shells over the ZnO NRs gradually changed from polycrystalline to single crystalline. The presence of the Ni layer as a polycrystalline shell completely hindered the light emission and transmission of the ZnO NR cores. Further, the band gap of ZnO NRs continuously decreased with the increase of annealing temperature.

Here, we propose a novel DNA-based doping method on MoS2 and WSe2 films, which enables ultra-low n- and p-doping control and allows for proper adjustments in device performance. This is achieved by selecting and/or combining different types of divalent metal and trivalent lanthanide (Ln) ions on DNA nanostructures, using the newly proposed concept of Co-DNA (DNA functionalized by both divalent metal and trivalent Ln ions). The available n-doping range on the MoS2 by Ln-DNA is between 6 × 109 and 2.6 × 1010 cm−2. The p-doping change on WSe2 by Ln-DNA is adjusted between −1.0 × 1010 and −2.4 × 1010 cm−2. In Eu3+ or Gd3+-Co-DNA doping, a light p-doping is observed on MoS2 and WSe2 (~1010 cm−2). However, in the devices doped by Tb3+ or Er3+-Co-DNA, a light n-doping (~1010 cm−2) occurs. A significant increase in on-current is also observed on the MoS2 and WSe2 devices, which are, respectively, doped by Tb3+- and Gd3+-Co-DNA, due to the reduction of effective barrier heights by the doping. In terms of optoelectronic device performance, the Tb3+ or Er3+-Co-DNA (n-doping) and the Eu3+ or Gd3+-Co-DNA (p-doping) improve the MoS2 and WSe2 photodetectors, respectively. We also show an excellent absorbing property by Tb3+ ions on the TMD photodetectors.

DNA molecules doped with lanthanide and metal ions possess distinct functionalities, providing a feasibility to be utilised in various applications in nano- and biotechnologies. In the present work, we fabricate DNA thin films doped with seven different lanthanide ions (Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, Tm3+, and Sm3+) and four different metal ions (Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Co2+) by the drop-casting method. In addition, we conduct current, Hall transport, optical transmittance, and Raman spectroscopic measurements to investigate their electrical properties, carrier concentrations and Hall mobilities, optical band gaps, and vibrational and stretching modes, respectively. By analysing the current–voltage characteristics of the doped thin films with varying dopant concentrations, characteristic critical concentrations are observed, which are related to the significant enhancement of the thin film's physical properties, compared with the pristine DNA. The extrema of the carrier concentrations and Hall mobilities of the doped thin films were observed approximately at the same critical concentrations. The optical band gaps gradually decreased with an increasing dopant concentration, caused by the intrinsic characteristics of both the dopants and DNA. Because of the preference of ions binding to DNA backbones through an electrostatic attraction and to bases via intercalation, the Raman band intensities gradually increase (or decrease) until reaching [Ln]C (or [M]C), where their trend is reversed. Ln-DNA and M-DNA thin films provide significant, specific, and novel physical characteristics which can be used in various applications.

DNA is considered as a useful building bio-material, and it serves as an efficient template to align functionalized nanomaterials. Riboflavin (RF)-doped synthetic double-crossover DNA (DX-DNA) lattices and natural salmon DNA (SDNA) thin films were constructed using substrate-assisted growth and drop-casting methods, respectively, and their topological, chemical and electro-optical characteristics were evaluated. The critical doping concentrations of RF ([RF]C, approx. 5 mM) at given concentrations of DX-DNA and SDNA were obtained by observing the phase transition (from crystalline to amorphous structures) of DX-DNA and precipitation of SDNA in solution above [RF]C. [RF]Care verified by analysing the atomic force microscopy images for DX-DNA and current, absorbance and photoluminescence (PL) for SDNA. We study the physical characteristics of RF-embedded SDNA thin films, using the Fourier transform infrared spectrum to understand the interaction between the RF and DNA molecules, current to evaluate the conductance, absorption to understand the RF binding to the DNA and PL to analyse the energy transfer between the RF and DNA. The current and UV absorption band of SDNA thin films decrease up to [RF]Cfollowed by an increase above [RF]C. By contrast, the PL intensity illustrates the reverse trend, as compared to the current and UV absorption behaviour as a function of the varying [RF]. Owing to the intense PL characteristic of RF, the DNA lattices and thin films with RF might offer immense potential to develop efficient bio-sensors and useful bio-photonic devices.

We report the fabrication and physical characteristics of niobium ion (Nb5+)-doped double-crossover DNA (DX-DNA) and salmon DNA (SDNA) thin films. Different concentrations of Nb5+ ([Nb5+]) are coordinated into the DNA molecules, and the thin films are fabricated via substrate-assisted growth (DX-DNA) and drop-casting (SDNA) on oxygen plasma treated substrates. We conducted atomic force microscopy to estimate the optimum concentration of Nb5+ ([Nb5+]O = 0.08 mM) in Nb5+-doped DX-DNA thin films, up to which the DX-DNA lattices maintain their structures without deformation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to probe the chemical nature of the intercalated Nb5+ in the SDNA thin films. The change in peak intensities and the shift in binding energy were witnessed in XPS spectra to explicate the binding and charge transfer mechanisms between Nb5+ and SDNA molecules. UV-visible, Raman, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were measured to determine the optical properties and thus investigate the binding modes, Nb5+ coordination sites in Nb5+-doped SDNA thin films, and energy transfer mechanisms, respectively. As [Nb5+] increases, the absorbance peak intensities monotonically increase until ~[Nb5+]O and then decrease. However, from the Raman measurements, the peak intensities gradually decrease with an increase in [Nb5+] to reveal the binding mechanism and binding sites of metal ions in the SDNA molecules. From the PL, we observe the emission intensities to reduce them at up to ~[Nb5+]O and then increase after that, expecting the energy transfer between the Nb5+ and SDNA molecules. The current–voltage measurement shows a significant increase in the current observed as [Nb5+] increases in the SDNA thin films when compared to that of pristine SDNA thin films. Finally, we investigate the temperature dependent magnetization in which the Nb5+-doped SDNA thin films reveal weak ferromagnetism due to the existence of tiny magnetic dipoles in the Nb5+-doped SDNA complex.

Eu3+ ions activated Ca2La8(SiO4)6O2 (CLSO):Eu3+ nanophosphor samples were synthesized by a mixed solvothermal and hydrothermal method. The samples were carefully studied using various characterization techniques. The XRD patterns of CLSO:Eu3+ and CLSO confirmed that the samples were crystallized in hexagonal phase with a space group of P63/m (176). The morphology of the nanoparticles was studied by varying the reaction parameters such as growth, temperature and time. The photoluminescence (PL) excitation and PL emission spectra exhibited the typical Eu3+ bands in the wavelength range of 200–550 nm and 400–750 nm, respectively. The intensity of the electric dipole (ED) transition peak was strong in the PL emission spectrum which imparts the red color when observed under ultraviolet light. The ED transition peak intensity increased when the sample was calcined at an elevated temperature of 700 °C, indicating improved asymmetry ratio and good chromaticity coordinates. The electrical properties of the prepared materials were studied by spin-coating the powder dispersed solutions on the silica substrate. The output current values were also measured for the CLSO nanoparticles prepared under different growth conditions. These results showed the advantages of CLSO nanoparticles for their application in optics and feasibility in nanoelectronic and energy harvesting devices.

We fabricated lanthanide ion (Ln3+, e.g. Dy3+, Er3+, Eu3+, and Gd3+)-doped self-assembled double-crossover (DX) DNA crystals grown on the surface of field effect transistors (FETs) containing either a Cr, Au, or Ni electrode. Here we demonstrate the metal electrode dependent FET characteristics as a function of various Ln3+. The drain–source current (I ds), controlled by the drain–source voltage (V ds) of Ln3+-doped DX DNA crystals with a Cr electrode on an FET, changed significantly under various gate voltages (V g) due to the relative closeness of the work function of Cr to the energy band gap of Ln3+-DNA crystals compared to those of Au and Ni. For Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET with either a Cr or Ni electrode at a fixed V ds, I ds decreased with increasing V g ranging from −2 to 0 V and from 0 to +3 V in the positive and negative regions, respectively. By contrast, I ds for Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET with Au decreased with increasing V g in only the positive region due to the greater electronegativity of Au. Furthermore, Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET exhibited behaviour sensitive to V g due to the appreciable charge carriers generated from Ln3+. Finally, we address the resistivity and the mobility of Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET with different metal electrodes obtained from I ds–V ds and I ds–V g curves. The resistivities of Ln3+-DNA crystals on FETs with Cr and Au electrodes were smaller than those of pristine DNA crystals on an FET, and the mobility of Ln3+-DNA crystals on an FET with Cr was relatively higher than that associated with other electrodes.