Indian Scientists have uncovered a remarkable property in a naturally occurring protein that could revolutionize electronic materials and pave the way for eco-friendly, biocompatible electronics.
A research team led by Dr. Sharmistha Sinha found that a self-assembling bacterial shell protein exhibits intrinsic semiconductor behavior when formed into thin, flat sheets. Unlike conventional materials such as silicon—which are rigid, energy-intensive to produce and contribute significantly to electronic waste—this protein absorbs light and generates an electrical current without added dyes, metals or external power sources.
The key lies in the protein’s structure: naturally organized tyrosine residues release electrons when exposed to ultraviolet light, causing tiny electrical charges to move across the protein surface and produce a measurable current. This light-driven effect resembles the behaviour of miniature solar cells and suggests the protein could act as a light-responsive semiconductor.
Researchers say the discovery could usher in a new class of sustainable electronic materials that are flexible, non-toxic and biocompatible, with potential applications in wearable health monitors, UV-sensing skin patches, implantable medical sensors and biodegradable environmental detectors.
The findings were published in the journal Chemical Science and mark a significant step toward electronics that harness nature’s own molecular architectures to deliver performance with reduced environmental impact.