Robust ZnO nanoparticle embedded memory device using vancomycin conjugate and its biorecognition for electrical charging node

•Bioelectronic memory device was demonstrated with vancomycin conjugated ZnO NPs.•Vancomycin ZnO NPs were embedded through SAMs on vancomycin resistant strain-based membrane peptide monolayer.•Memory effect from ZnO NPs charging was characterized with hysteresis in capacitance–voltage measurement.

Conjugation of antibiotic vancomycin (VAN) on nanoparticles (NPs) has recently initiated novel works in the nanobiotechnology field. In this study, a bioelectronic structure using VAN conjugated zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs as charge storing elements on metal-pentacene-insulator-silicon (MPIS) device is demonstrated. Highly specific molecular recognition between the VAN and membrane protein unit mimicked from VAN-resistant bacteria is employed as the formation mechanism of self-assembly monolayers (SAMs) of ZnO NPs. The insulator surface is modified with the VAN cognate peptide of l-Ala–d-Glu–l-Lys–d-Ala–d-Ala by chemical activator coupling. Hysteretic behaviors in capacitance versus voltage (C–V) curves are obtained for the charged ZnO NPs exhibiting flatband voltage shifts, which demonstrate the charge storage on the VAN conjugated ZnO NPs. The potential perspective of this study will be a tangible progress of biomolecular electronics implemented by the interface between biomolecules and electronics.