Myoglobin single-electron transistors were investigated using nanometer- gap platinum electrodes fabricated by electromigration at cryogenic temperatures. Apomyoglobin (myoglobin without heme group) was used as a reference. The results suggest single electron transport is mediated by resonant tunneling with the electronic and vibrational levels of the heme group in a single protein. They also represent a proof-of-principle that proteins with redox centers across nanometer-gap electrodes can be utilized to fabricate single-electron transistors. The protein orientation and conformation may significantly affect the conductance of these devices. Future improvements in device reproducibility and yield will require control of these factors.
@article{arxiv.1208.4184,
title = {An investigation into the feasibility of myoglobin-based single-electron transistors},
author = {Debin Li and Peter M. Gannet and David Lederman},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1208.4184},
year = {2013}
}