DNA hybrid dielectric film devices for energy storage and bioelectronics applications

DNA biopolymer hybrids have been investigated for energy storage applications and also as potential high k gate dielectrics in bioelectronics applications such as BioFETs. DNA-based hybrid films incorporating sol-gel-derived ceramics have shown strong promise as insulating dielectrics for high voltage capacitor applications. Our studies of DNA-CTMA complex/sol-gel hybrid thin film devices have demonstrated reproducibility and stability in temperature-and frequency-dependent dielectric properties as well as reliability in DC voltage breakdown measurements, attaining values consistently in the 300 - 350 V/um range. We have also investigated DNA-inorganic hybrids by ex situ blending of aqueous solutions of DNA with high k ceramics such as BaTiO₃ and TiO₂. These systems are currently being investigated as potential gate dielectrics for BioFETs by virtue of their relatively high dielectric constant, high DC electrical resistivity, and lower leakage currents than pristine DNA. Functionally layered devices have also been designed, fabricated and characterized to determine any added benefit in dielectric applications. The electrical/dielectric characteristics of DNA and DNA-CTMA with sol-gel-derived ceramics, high k ceramic fillers, and in layered devices were examined to determine their effect on vital dielectric parameters for energy storage and bioelectronics applications.