Dr. Angela Belcher and her research team at The University of Texas at Austin are engaged in pioneering research that unites protein chemistry with semiconductor technology. Their work involves binding living materials -- proteins, viruses, and DNA strands -- to inorganic materials such as semiconductor and metal particles. These hybrid materials, called electronic biocomposite materials, may someday be used in creating nanoscale electronic devices.

By developing these biocomposites, the UT scientists are paving the way for a host of technological marvels, including a new world of transistors, wires, connectors, sensors, and computer chips far smaller than anything manufactured to date.

"Biocomposite materials have been in existence for millions of years. We, ourselves, are biocomposite materials," says Dr. Belcher. All mammals produce tough, flexible bone and cartilage. Human bodies contain bones, teeth, fingernails, and hair -- all biocomposites. Marine invertebrates surround themselves with protective shells.

Realizing that mollusks have "perfect control" over the growth patterns of their shells, Angela Belcher speculated, "Wouldn't it be great to have that kind of control over the kinds of materials that nature hasn't worked with?"

Her UT research team is learning from nature, she says, "learning how nature makes materials and applying this to other systems."

While commercialization of these products may be some years away, the possibilities are garnering national attention. Angela Belcher has been featured in a Forbes magazine cover story (July 2001) and in newspapers across the country. In the fall 2000, she traveled to the White House to accept the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed on young investigators by the U.S. government.

View the full story