Silk-based transistors could lead to the development of new microprocessors that emulate neural networks, self-learning circuits, and direct memory storage. Or just use it for sensors.

Scientists at Tufts University’s Silklab have developed a new class of transistors that intertwine biological elements with electronic components. Using silk fibroin as an insulator, these transistors offer an interactive response to biological and environmental stimuli, opening the door to a variety of healthcare applications. In addition, these transistors can also be used in biointeractive electronics; But while this would require a change in the semiconductor industry, it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Silk fibroin, an organic material, replaces traditional inorganic insulators commonly used in electronic components. The properties of silk fibroin enable the sensitivity of surface application and modification using a variety of biological and chemical molecules, increasing its adaptability and interaction with biological and environmental elements.

The practical applicability of these hybrid transistors was demonstrated on a prototype breath sensor that exhibited extraordinary sensitivity to changes in humidity. This means the potential of these transistors in medical diagnostic equipment, including devices that detect cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and sleep apnea, as well as devices that monitor blood oxygenation, glucose levels, and more.

“Once we achieve this, we can now make hybrid transistors using the same manufacturing processes used in commercial chip production,” said Bom Joon Kim, a doctoral student at Tufts University School of Engineering. “That means you could make a billion of these with the capabilities available today.”

The trick to silk-based transistors is to manipulate the ionic composition of the silk. This manipulation allows the processing of variable information, similar to the functionality of analog computing. Such a sophisticated operational approach allows transistors to interact with a range of biological and environmental factors, which could revolutionize computing processes in modern microprocessors.

According to the researchers, successful processing of silk at the nanoscale could be seamlessly integrated with existing commercial chip manufacturing technologies. This compatibility may herald the possibility of developing modern electronic devices and systems that will include billions of biologically interacting transistors. According to the researchers, this could lead to the development of advanced microprocessors similar to neural networks in artificial intelligence, self-adaptive circuits, and direct memory storage capabilities in transistors.

“Looking ahead, one can imagine integrated circuits that learn, respond to environmental signals, and write memory directly to transistors rather than sending it to separate storage,” said Fiorenzo Omenetto, head of Silklab at Tufts University. Source