Enzymatic circuits for molecular sensors

Abstract

In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A circuit comprising:
 a first electrode;   a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode;   an enzyme electrically connected to both the first and the second electrodes to form a conductive pathway between the first electrode and the second electrode; and   at least one arm molecule having first and second ends, the first end bonded to the enzyme and the second end bonded to the first electrode, wherein the at least one arm molecule acts as an electrical wire between the enzyme and the first electrode.