Abstract: A method for controlled nucleation and growth of microtubules on substrates. The substrate is functionalized with a nucleating agent for microtubule growth. The method can be employed to generate nanoscale structures on substrates or between substrates by additional attachment of MT capture agents which function to capture the ends of growing MT to form connecting MT structures. The method can be used to form 2-and 3-D structures on or between substrates and can function to establish interconnects between nanoscale devices or molecular electronic devices and electrodes. A specific method for metallization of biological macromolecules and structures is provided which can be applied to metallized the MT formed by the growth and capture method. The metallization method is biologically benign and is particularly useful for copper metallization of MTs.

Abstract: Microtubules are excellent candidates for the fabrication of nanostructures, including nanowires. A method for controlled nucleation and growth of microtubules on substrates (e.g., gold on a silicon wafer) is provided. The substrate is functionalized with a nucleating agent for microtubule growth. The method can be employed to generate nanoscale structures on substrates or between substrates by additional attachment of MT capture agents which function to capture the ends of growing MT to form connecting MT structures. The method can be used to form 2- and 3-D structures on or between substrates and can function to establish interconnects between nanoscale devices or molecular electronic devices and electrodes. A specific method for metallization of biological macromolecules and structures in provides which can be beneficially applied to metallized the MT formed by the growth and capture method. The metallization method is biologically benign and is particularly useful for copper metallization of MTs.

Abstract: A biosensor device, system, and method for detecting biological material. The sensor includes a substrate including sample regions having attachable thereon an immobilized first species associated with the biological material and includes at least one optical sensor associated with the sample regions and configured to detect induced radiation from a second species selectively attached to the first species at the sample regions. The induced radiation provides an indication that the biological material is on the substrate. The system includes a processor in communication with the optical sensor and is configured to monitor the induced radiation from the second species. The method immobilizes a first species of the biological material on the at least one sample region, attaches a second species of the biological material to the first species, induces radiation from the second species, and detects the radiation with at least one optical sensor associated with the at least one sample region.

Abstract: Microtubules are excellent candidates for the fabrication of nanostructures, including nanowires. A method for controlled nucleation and growth of microtubules on substrates (e.g., gold on a silicon wafer) is provided. The substrate is functionalized with a nucleating agent for microtubule growth. The method can be employed to generate nanoscale structures on substrates or between substrates by additional attachment of MT capture agents which function to capture the ends of growing MT to form connecting MT structures. The method can be used to form 2- and 3-D structures on or between substrates and can function to establish interconnects between nanoscale devices or molecular electronic devices and electrodes. A specific method for metallization of biological macromolecules and structures in provides which can be beneficially applied to metallized the MT formed by the growth and capture method. The metallization method is biologically benign and is particularly useful for copper metallization of MTs.