Prototype Protein-Based Three-Dimensional Memory

摘要

Under this effort, a bacteriorhodopsin-based, three dimensional (3-D) memory device was developed and fabricated. Advances were made in both prototype development and materials enhancement. Bacteriorhodopsin in its native form (i. e., the wild-type protein that has not been altered either genetically or chemically) is incapable of the efficient operation. This fact guided the research effort toward three major objectives: (1) Optimization of the protein with respect to operation in the 3-D optical memory, (2) Optimization of the polymer matrix that encapsulates the protein, thereby comprising the memory media, and (3) Fabrication of prototype 3-D optical memories geared toward use with not only the native protein, but also chemically and genetically manipulated forms. Directed evolution (DE) was selected as the best way to optimize the protein. This genetic engineering technique offers the opportunity to explore mutations that otherwise would be overlooked by more pragmatic approaches. Additionally, advances in polymer matrix optimization have been made with respect to long-term stability, shrinkage, and optical clarity. Lastly, a prototype device was made under this effort that represents the first true step toward a commercially viable optical memory.