Processor and transistor technology is evolving every day. Processor technology, which is at the 3 nm level today, will soon go down to 2 nm levels. But what kind of processors await us in the future? In this sense, scientists have succeeded in developing transistors containing silk threads. These transistors could be an important step for biological processor.
Scientists produce silk transistors for biological processors
Scientists are now taking important steps towards processors that are more compatible with nature and easier to produce. As you know, processors are at the core of today’s technology. However, both the cost of production and the damage caused to the environment during their production are leading to the search for new solutions.
In this sense, researchers have set out to produce semi-biological transistors. The most important feature of these transistors is their ability to change and adapt to their environment. As you know, today’s processor technology can produce transistors thinner than a hair. The team used the same technology to produce transistors doped with silk thread. In this sense, the researchers used silk threads at the 10 nm level. Here, silk specifically replaced the insulating materials of the transistors.
The research team first used transistors made of silk threads for a breath sensor. This breath sensor can detect even the slightest changes in humidity. The main reason for this is the ability of biological transistors to interact with their environment.
Thanks to some modifications that scientists added to the silk layer, this breath sensor was able to detect the chemicals and carbon dioxide levels in the breath very precisely. Thanks to these additions, this semi-biological sensor was also able to detect some heart disorders through breathing.
Researchers are seeking to develop microprocessors that can work like neural networks used in artificial intelligence using silk. They are also exploring the possibility of having billions of transistor nodes whose connections are modified by biological processes in the silk to pave the way.
Biological processors are expected to be more interactive with the environment than conventional processors. In this sense, biologically based processors and integrated circuits could lead to a revolution in both recycling and harmony with nature.
