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Amorphous semiconductor switching in melanins.

J McGinness, P Corry, P Proctor

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |March 1, 1974
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Melanins, both synthetic and biological, function as amorphous semiconductor threshold switches. They exhibit reversible switching at significantly lower potential gradients than inorganic materials, suggesting potential biological applications.

    Area of Science:

    • Biophysics
    • Materials Science
    • Organic Electronics

    Background:

    • Melanins are biopolymers with unique electronic properties.
    • Amorphous semiconductors are crucial for various electronic devices.
    • Understanding biological material conductivity is key for bio-integrated electronics.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the electrical switching behavior of melanins.
    • To compare melanin's semiconductor properties with inorganic thin films.
    • To explore potential biological applications of melanin-based switches.

    Main Methods:

    • Synthesized and isolated melanins were subjected to electrical potential gradients.
    • Switching behavior was observed and analyzed.
    • Other biological materials, including cytochrome c, were tested for comparison.

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    Main Results:

    • Melanins exhibit amorphous semiconductor threshold switching behavior.
    • Switching occurred at potential gradients 100-1000 times lower than inorganic thin films.
    • Cytochrome c showed similar switching but required much higher gradients.

    Conclusions:

    • Melanins act as efficient amorphous semiconductor threshold switches.
    • Their low operating potential gradients are comparable to biological systems.
    • Melanins show promise for bio-electronic applications.