Description:

The biological ‘unit,’ the living cell, may be considered the ultimate nano-scale device. Cells, which are constructed of nano-scale components, are extremely sensitive, highly efficient environmental sensors capable of rapid self-assembly, flawless self-repair, and adaptive self improvement; not to mention their potential for nearly unlimited self-replicate. NASA's Ames Research Center is focusing on a major component of all cells (proteins) that are capable of self-assembling into highly ordered structures. A protein known as HSP60 is currently being studied that spontaneously forms nano-scale ring structures, which can be induced to form chains or filaments.

By further modifying each of these proteins so they bind metal atoms, these proteins can be used as a template to create an ordered pattern of metal on a surface with nanometer spacing. Ultimately the hope is to use such ordered arrays of metal to manufacture nano-scale electronic devices. Similarly, metal binding to proteins that form filaments may be used to create self-assembling nano-scale wires, which may someday be used to produce self-assembling circuits.
 

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