Nanotechnology makes use of biotechnology

Nanotechnology applications are pushing the boundaries of a number of sectors including electronics. New research in the field of microelectronics facilitates the manufacture of nanodevices at the molecular level based on the use of genetic material.

The EC-funded MINT project focused on the level of interconnections that can be achieved in the new generation of nanodevices. The aim was to achieve at least the same level of interconnections as those in microelectronic systems. Project partners investigated the potential role of ribonucleic acid (RNA) as part of the manufacturing process of original templates.

RNA folds into specific tertiary structures giving researchers the opportunity to exploit this property in order to form new templates for the design of novel nanodevices. Within the framework of MINT, the University of Liverpool designed and characterised a series of self-assembling RNA molecules for the purposes of nanofabrication.

These RNA structures combine either in twos or in fours to form one-dimensional fibres in the presence of magnesium ions. These structures have been designed to facilitate specific and non-specific attachment of RNA molecules to gold nanoparticles, electrodes or surfaces. The resulting RNA-gold fibres have been used successfully as templates for electrochemical deposition of metal on gold surfaces. The aim is to form nanointerconnections between the varied components.

The University is seeking further support to continue this line of research. The applications of this project could have a profound effect on the field of nanotechnology and in particular in the area of nanoelectronics.

Contact Details
BATES, Andy (Dr)
University of Liverpool
Lecturer in Molecular Biology
School of Biological Sciences
L69 7ZB
Liverpool
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44-1517-954563
Fax: +44-1517-954410
URL: http://www.liv.ac.uk/bio/

Copyright ©European Communities, 2006
Neither the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, nor any person acting on its behalf, is responsible for the use, which might be made of the attached information. The attached information is drawn from the Community R&D Information Service (CORDIS). The CORDIS services are carried on the CORDIS Host in Luxembourg – http://cordis.europa.eu.int. Access to CORDIS is currently available free-of-charge.

Most Popular Now

AI-Powered CRISPR could Lead to Faster G…

Stanford Medicine researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to help scientists better plan gene-editing experiments. The technology, CRISPR-GPT, acts as a gene-editing “copilot” supported by AI to help...

Groundbreaking AI Aims to Speed Lifesavi…

To solve a problem, we have to see it clearly. Whether it’s an infection by a novel virus or memory-stealing plaques forming in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, visualizing disease processes...

AI Spots Hidden Signs of Depression in S…

Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges, but its early signs are often overlooked. It is often linked to reduced facial expressivity. However, whether mild depression or...

ChatGPT 4o Therapeutic Chatbot 'Ama…

One of the first randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of a large language model (LLM) chatbot 'Amanda' for relationship support shows that a single session of chatbot therapy...

AI Tools Help Predict Severe Asthma Risk…

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed artificial intelligence (AI) tools that help identify which children with asthma face the highest risk of serious asthma exacerbation and acute respiratory infections. The study...

AI Model Forecasts Disease Risk Decades …

Imagine a future where your medical history could help predict what health conditions you might face in the next two decades. Researchers have developed a generative AI model that uses...

AI Model Indicates Four out of Ten Breas…

A project at Lund University in Sweden has trained an AI model to identify breast cancer patients who could be spared from axillary surgery. The model analyses previously unutilised information...

AI Distinguishes Glioblastoma from Look-…

A Harvard Medical School–led research team has developed an AI tool that can reliably tell apart two look-alike cancers found in the brain but with different origins, behaviors, and treatments. The...

Overcoming the AI Applicability Crisis a…

Opinion Article by Harry Lykostratis, Chief Executive, Open Medical. The government’s 10 Year Health Plan makes a lot of the potential of AI-software to support clinical decision making, improve productivity, and...

Smart Device Uses AI and Bioelectronics …

As a wound heals, it goes through several stages: clotting to stop bleeding, immune system response, scabbing, and scarring. A wearable device called "a-Heal," designed by engineers at the University...

Dartford and Gravesham Implements Clinis…

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has taken a significant step towards a more digital future by rolling out electronic test ordering using Clinisys ICE. The trust deployed the order communications...