Developing Thin Films for Biomolecular Electronics of the Future
Written by AZoMMar 3 2021
Modern electronics is nearing the boundary of its capabilities, which are governed by the fundamental laws of physics.
Albumin protein molecule in the water environment. Image Credit: Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University
Hence, the use of classical materials such as silicon can no longer satisfy the needs of energy efficiency of the devices. At present, it is essential to begin looking for new materials and new principles for the functioning of electronic devices
To find a solution to this issue, scientists from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) have been designing thin films, which are the elements for biomolecular electronics. They are confident that biological macromolecules like amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids could be potential materials for modern electronics.
A way to extract pigments from microalgae for use in food supplements has been outlined by scientists, who think the method could overcome the difficulties in obtaining such pigments from natural sources.
Writing in the journal
Agronomy Research, the method used a crude cell suspension of Chlorella microalgae, which was then air-dried after disintegrating the cell membrane using ultrasonic extraction techniques.
The team from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPBPU) found the highest pigment content in ethanol extracts was observed after 30 min at 45−50 °C.
“The obtained biomass with high carotenoid levels can be used in various sectors of the food and pharmaceutical industries as a dietary supplement to reduce vitamin A deficiency for children and adults,” explains Yulia Bazarnova, Director of the Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Technologies at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology SPbPU.
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