Researchers in the rapidly progressing field of molecular bioelectronics are coupling biomolecules with some unlikely mates from the "non-biotic" side of town: electronic transducers. Communication between these odd partners from the biologic and nonliving worlds is effected by the passage of electrons. The potential rewards for these innovations are considerable. Bioelectronic systems could one day be employed in a wide variety of apparatuses, including biosensors, devices for driving biotransformations, biofuel cells, and perhaps even biocomputers.3-5
The biomolecular and electronic components are electrically connected via molecular electron transfer relays. The specifics of how this is accomplished vary greatly, and can involve biomolecules that are inherently capable of electron transfer, such as redox enzymes or exogenous electronic mediators, which can be attached to the electrode or a biomolecule, or can act as diffusional electron couriers. Biomolecules and electronic elements are joined using any of a variety of techniques, but the redox-active portions ...
