molecular electronics

molecular electronics

Biological-based electronics. Developing circuits that are "grown" may seem far fetched, but research shows that a "biocomputer" might be possible in 25 years. From living plants, researchers have isolated "photosynthetic reaction centers" (PRCs). These microminiature photovoltaic systems change their state when exposed to light, and the states can be measured. In 2001, German scientists grew a network of neurons (brain cells) from a snail onto a semiconductor chip. Electricity was made to travel through the neuron net and back out. Stay tuned! Or, rather, have your grandchildren stay tuned!

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molecular electronics [mə′lek·yə·lər i‚lek′trän·iks]

(computer science)

The use of biological or organic molecules for fabricating electronic materials with novel electronic, optical, or magnetic properties, applications include polymer light-emitting diodes, conductive-polymer sensors, pyroelectric plastics, and, potentially, molecular computational devices.