Graphene-protein bioelectronic devices with wavelength-dependent photoresponse

We implemented a nanoelectronic interface between graphene field effect transistors (FETs) and soluble proteins. This enables production of bioelectronic devices that combine functionalities of the biomolecular and inorganic components. The method serves to link polyhistidine-tagged proteins to graphene FETs using the tag itself. Atomic Force Microscopy and Raman spectroscopy provide structural understanding of the bio/nano hybrid; current-gate voltage measurements are used to elucidate the electronic properties. As an example application, we functionalize graphene FETs with fluorescent proteins to yield hybrids that respond to light at wavelengths defined by the optical absorption spectrum of the proteinComment: 10 pages, 3 figures; To appear in Applied Physics Letter

Scalable Production of Highly-Sensitive Nanosensors Based on Graphene Functionalized with a Designed G Protein-Coupled Receptor

We have developed a novel, all-electronic biosensor for opioids that consists of an engineered mu opioid receptor protein, with high binding affinity for opioids, chemically bonded to a graphene field-effect transistor to read out ligand binding. A variant of the receptor protein that provided chemical recognition was computationally redesigned to enhance its solubility and stability in an aqueous environment. A shadow mask process was developed to fabricate arrays of hundreds of graphene transistors with average mobility of ~1500 cm2 V-1 s-1 and yield exceeding 98%. The biosensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for the target naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, with a detection limit of 10 pg/mL.Comment: Nano Letters 201

How Much Does Effortful Thinking Underlie Observers’ Reactions to Victimization?

From blaming to helping innocent victims, just-world research has revealed that observers react to victimization in a variety of ways. Recent research suggests that such responses to victimization require effortful thought, whereas other research has shown that people can react to these situations intuitively. Along with manipulating just-world threat, across seven experiments, we manipulated or measured participants’ level of mental processing before assessing judgments of victim derogation, blame, willingness to help, and ultimate justice reasoning. The effect of just-world threat on these responses held constant over a range of manipulations/measures, suggesting that the processes involved in maintaining a belief in a just world are not restricted to the rational, deliberative level of mental processing but also occur intuitively

'Public administration in an age of austerity' : Positive lessons from policy studies

Peer reviewedPostprin