Long-Range Proton Transport in Films from a Reflectin-Derived Polypeptide

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Abstract
Protein- and peptide-based proton conductors have been extensively studied because of their important roles in biological processes and established potential for bioelectronic device applications. However, despite much progress, the demonstration of long-range proton transport for such materials has remained relatively rare. Herein, we fabricate, electrically interrogate, and physically characterize films from a reflectin-derived polypeptide. The electrical measurements indicate that device-integrated films exhibit proton conductivities with values of ∼0.4 mS/cm and sustain proton transport over distances of ∼1 mm. The accompanying physical characterization indicates that the polypeptide possesses characteristics analogous to those of the parent protein class and furnishes insight into the relationship between the polypeptide’s electrical functionality and structure in the solid state. When considered together, our findings hold significance for the continued development and engineering of not only reflectin-based materials but also other bioinspired proton conductors.
Funding Information
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (D16AP00034)
  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA2386-14-1-3026, FA9550-17-1-0024)
  • Office of Naval Research (N00014-20-1-2265)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH S10 OD021758-01A1)
  • National Science Foundation (DMR-1157490, MCB-1856055)

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