UC Berkeley

Bioelectricity is generated by a wide spectrum of living organisms, ranging from single-celled entities to intricate multicellular organisms. These organisms have evolved intricate mechanisms to regulate and manage electrical activity. The understanding and controlling of bioelectricity hold the potential to yield diverse bioelectrical applications. However, comprehending bioelectrical systems using conventional organic/inorganic materials remains challenging because these materials lack the inherent complexity and adaptability that make replication difficult, limiting their capacity for modification and customization. Biological systems are highly complex, comprising various components such as nucleic acids, proteins, and tissues that display high specificity and selectivity in their interactions and processes. This complexity and heterogeneity hinder the accurate replication or mimicry of biological processes at the molecular level. Viruses, being submicroscopic infectious entities, serve as powerful tools for advancing our understanding of fundamental biological systems. Using the M13 phage as a model system due to its simple structure, versatile, biocompatible, and massively replicable characteristics, the structure-function relationship of bioelectricity is studied. This thesis explores the responsive electrical properties of viruses to external stimuli such as friction, mechanical stress, heat, and chemical environments. It examines how genetic modifications of viruses alter their structural and electrical properties, introducing practical virus-based bioelectrical applications. By using the M13 phage as a model system for investigating bioelectricity, this research aims to offer valuable insights into the design and development of innovative bioelectrical applications, bridging the gap between conventional materials and biological systems.