Their discoveries have been published in the June 8 issue of the journal Nature. By combining proteins from viruses with inorganic elements commonly used as semiconductors, the UT Austin research team produced hybrid materials called electronic biocomposite materials.
Biocomposite materials exist in nature in the form of such substances as shell and bone.
We are learning from nature, learning how nature makes materials and applying this to other systems. In the electronics industry, smaller means faster, cheaper and more convenient, but experts say the industry is reaching the limits of miniaturization. That's why the field of nanotechnology has been declared a national research priority by the federal government. Nanotechnology is derived from nanos, the Greek word for dwarf, and refers to construction of highly miniaturized devices. Belcher and her graduate student, Sandra Whaley have been isolating viruses containing proteins that can recognize and combine with gallium arsenide, silicon, indium phosphides and zinc selenide.