The design of a biochip: a self-assembling molecular-scale memory device

A design for a biochip memory device based on known materialsand existing principles is presented. The fabrication of thismemory system relies on the self-assembly of the nucleic acidjunction system, which acts as the scaffolding for a molecularwire consisting of polyacetylene-like units. A molecular switchto control current is described which is based on the formationof a charge - transfer complex. A molecular-scale bit is presentedwhich is based on oxidation - reduction potentials of metalatoms or clusters. The readable ‘bit’ which canbe made of these components has a volume of 3x10⁷ ų andshould operate at electronic speeds over short distances.