Toward complementary ionic circuits: the npn ion bipolar junction transistor

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Jul 6;133(26):10141-5. doi: 10.1021/ja200492c. Epub 2011 Jun 13.

Abstract

Many biomolecules are charged and may therefore be transported with ionic currents. As a step toward addressable ionic delivery circuits, we report on the development of a npn ion bipolar junction transistor (npn-IBJT) as an active control element of anionic currents in general, and specifically, demonstrate actively modulated delivery of the neurotransmitter glutamic acid. The functional materials of this transistor are ion exchange layers and conjugated polymers. The npn-IBJT shows stable transistor characteristics over extensive time of operation and ion current switch times below 10 s. Our results promise complementary chemical circuits similar to the electronic equivalence, which has proven invaluable in conventional electronic applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrophoresis / instrumentation*
  • Glutamic Acid / chemistry
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / chemistry
  • Transistors, Electronic*

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Glutamic Acid