New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) A group of researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali, which operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has uncovered the semiconductor characteristics of a well-known self-assembling bacterial shell protein. This breakthrough could lead to the development of safe and environmentally sustainable electronics, ranging from mobile devices and smartwatches to medical instruments and environmental sensors.

Conventional semiconductor materials like silicon are essential in technology but come with several drawbacks. They are often rigid, necessitate high-energy manufacturing processes, and contribute to the escalating issue of electronic waste. This has intensified the demand for sustainable, flexible, and biocompatible electronics, such as wearables, implantables, and eco-friendly sensors.

The researchers at INST conducted experiments with self-assembling bacterial shell proteins to determine if these proteins, which naturally create stable, large flat 2D sheets with integrated electron density patterns and aromatic residues, could exhibit intrinsic photoactivity.

The findings revealed that when these proteins form flat, sheet-like films, they effectively absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and produce an electrical current without relying on any additional dyes, metals, or external power sources. They operate as light-driven, scaffold-free semiconductors, akin to those used in electronic circuits and sensors.

Moreover, the research team observed that these proteins spontaneously arrange into thin, sheet-like structures. Upon exposure to UV light, minuscule electrical charges start to traverse the protein surface.

“This phenomenon occurs because the proteins contain tyrosine, a natural amino acid capable of releasing electrons when stimulated by light. The movement of these electrons and protons generates an electrical signal, similar to the functioning of a miniature solar cell. This light-driven mechanism is based on the internal organization of the proteins and does not require any synthetic additives or high-temperature processes,” explained the team led by Dr. Sharmistha Sinha, alongside student researchers Silky Bedi and S. M. Rose.

“This discovery opens up thrilling possibilities for practical applications. Given the material's flexibility and body-friendliness, it could be utilized to create wearable health monitors, skin-safe UV-detection patches, and implantable medical sensors that function safely within the human body,” the team stated.

Published in the journal Chemical Science of the Royal Society of Chemistry, this research could also lead to the development of temporary or disposable environmental sensors, such as pollution detectors or sunlight trackers, which would naturally decompose after use without causing environmental harm.

In the future, families, patients, and consumers may enjoy the benefits of soft, comfortable, and environmentally responsible devices that seamlessly integrate into their daily lives.