A new, highly sensitive chemical sensor uses protein nanowires

(University of Massachusetts Amherst) Writing in NanoResearch, a team at UMass Amherst reports that they have developed bioelectronic ammonia gas sensors that are among the most sensitive ever made. It uses electric-charge-conducting protein nanowires derived from the bacterium Geobacter to provide biomaterials for electrical devices. They grow hair-like protein filaments that work as nanoscale " wires " to transfer charges for their nourishment and to communicate with other bacteria.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news