title: Microtubule-based gold nanowires and nanowire arrays.
abstract: Biological structures are attractive as templates to form nanoscale architectures for electronics because of their dimensions and the ability to interact with inorganic materials. In this study, we report the fabrication and electrical properties of microtubule (MT)-templated Au nanowires, and methods for assembling Au nanowire arrays based on these templates. The adsorption of MTs on silicon substrates is an effective means for preserving the conformation of the MT and provides a convenient platform for electrical measurements. To improve the metallization of MTs, a photochemical route for gold reduction is adapted, which leads to continuous coverage. The conductivity values measured on micrometer-long nanowires are similar to those reported for other biotemplated gold nanowires. A protocol for fabricating arrays of MT-templated gold nanowires is demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, 3121B Engineering V, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Jing C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Alfredo A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Martinez-Molares
authors.forename: Xiaoye
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Jing
authors.forename: Dong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Toshikazu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hamasaki
authors.forename: Cengiz S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ozkan
authors.forename: Mihrimah
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ozkan
authors.forename: Evelyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dunn