Bioelectronics: From Theory to Applications

Medicine, chemistry, physics and engineering stand poised to benefit within the next few years from the ingenuity of complex biological structures invented and perfected by nature over millions of years. The combination of biological elements -- be it whole cells, single molecules or anything in between -- with the field of inorganic electronics yields a fascinating spectrum of opportunities and potential applications. Neurons, DNA strands, antigens, antibodies or enzymes connected to conventional circuitry are capable of turning biological activity into defined electrical signals which can be interpreted and acted upon, opening up such applications as bio- and immunosensors, neuronal or DNA computing, bioassays, or biochemical batteries. Similarly, sophisticated human/machine interfaces and ecologically benign harvesting of energy are equally attractive paths awaiting exploration. This book provides both researchers and engineers as well as students of all the natural sciences a vivid insight into the world of bioelectronics and nature's own nanotechnological treasure chamber.