Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
Abstract:
Electronic sensors based on biomaterials can lead to novel green technologies that are low cost, renewable, and eco-friendly. Here we demonstrate bioelectronic ammonia sensors made from protein nanowires harvested from the microorganism Geobacter sulfurreducens. The nanowire sensor responds to a broad range of ammonia concentrations (10 to 106 ppb), which covers the range relevant for industrial, environmental, and biomedical applications. The sensor also demonstrates high selectivity to ammonia compared to moisture and other common gases found in human breath. These results provide a proof-of-concept demonstration for developing protein nanowire based gas sensors for applications in industry, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and healthcare.
