Indian scientists identify natural protein with semiconductor properties

Researchers in India have identified a naturally occurring protein capable of behaving like a semiconductor, a breakthrough that could significantly influence the future of electronic materials and sustainable technology. This is reported by IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

The discovery was made by scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology in Mohali, working under India’s Department of Science and Technology. The research shows that a well-known self-assembling bacterial shell protein can generate an electrical current when exposed to ultraviolet light, without the need for metals, synthetic dyes or external power sources.

Unlike conventional semiconductor materials such as silicon, which are rigid, energy-intensive to manufacture and contribute to electronic waste, the protein-based material is soft, flexible and environmentally benign. This positions it as a promising alternative for next-generation electronics, particularly in wearable, implantable and disposable devices.

The research team found that the protein naturally organises itself into thin, flat, two-dimensional sheets with a highly ordered internal structure. When exposed to UV light, these sheets become photoactive, allowing electrical charges to move across their surface.

Scientists say the findings open up new possibilities for soft electronics that are compatible with the human body. Potential applications include wearable health-monitoring devices, skin-safe UV sensors, implantable medical instruments and short-term environmental monitoring tools designed to biodegrade safely after use.

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