Protein modified porous silicon nanostructures

Abstract

Biological passivation of porous silicon (PSi)-based optical devices is demonstrated. Infiltration by small amphiphilic fungal proteins called HFBs is shown to change the wettability of the PSi surface (see figure) and protect the sponge-like structure against dissolution by basic solutions. Moreover, this protein membrane leaves unaltered the sensing ability of such an optical transducer, adding chemical stability, which can be the key in biomolecular experiments