Abstract: In various embodiments, a synthetic peptide finding use as a molecular wire in a molecular electronic circuit comprises an alpha helical segment further comprising repeating alpha-helical motifs. The synthetic peptide may further comprise at least one specific conjugation site between the termini for attachment to a molecule such as a binding probe, and may further comprise termini having metal binding functionality such as repeats of material binding sequences. In various aspects, the synthetic peptide comprises intramolecular hydrogen bonding, salt bridges, and optionally, aromatic rings that provide for electrical conductivity through the peptide.