Submission + - Researchers repurpose failed cancer drug into printable semiconductor (illinois.edu)
sandbagger writes: Organic semiconductors are responsible for things like flexible electronics and transparent solar cells, but scientists are working to expand their use in biomedicine and devices that require interaction between electrically active molecules and biological molecules. A molecule, which inserts itself into DNA to prevent replication, was once explored as a potential anti-cancer agent.
DNA topoisomerase inhibitors, are flat and contain neatly stacked columns of electrically conductive molecular rings — features that make a good semiconductor. Distinct from a typical semiconductor, these molecular columns are linked together by hydrogen bonds that can move charges from column to column, forming bridges that transform the entire molecular assembly into a semiconductor — something rarely seen before this study.
Researchers report their findings in the journal Nature Communications.
DNA topoisomerase inhibitors, are flat and contain neatly stacked columns of electrically conductive molecular rings — features that make a good semiconductor. Distinct from a typical semiconductor, these molecular columns are linked together by hydrogen bonds that can move charges from column to column, forming bridges that transform the entire molecular assembly into a semiconductor — something rarely seen before this study.
Researchers report their findings in the journal Nature Communications.
