Molecularly-Resolved Bioelectronics

The field of molecular electronics measures the unique properties of individual molecular species in conductor-moleculeconductor junctions. We present here a brief review of molecular electronics as applied to biomolecules, with specific emphasis on the use of scanning probe technology in the assaying of biological molecular electronics. Three case studies from recent work within our group are described; two complimentary investigations of the redox-active yeast iso-1-cytochrome c and one of the large iron storage protein ferritin. The strengths and challenges of the use of scanning probe technology for the purpose of molecular electronics are also outlined. Particular emphasis is given to the potential of gating conductance and the perturbative effects of analysis.