A nano-process by the fusion of bio- and inorganic materials technology: the bio nano process and its future perspectives

Abstract This review focuses on research and development aimed at the integration of biology and devices, with a particular emphasis on approaches utilizing biomolecules in device fabrication. Specifically, it highlights the four key elemental technologies of the Bio-nano-process proposed by Yamashita et al. around 2000: (1) design and synthesis of protein supramolecules, (2) synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials using bio-templates and biomineralization, (3) arrangement of bio-nanomaterial composite on substrates, and (4) selective proteins elimination. The review also discusses various application examples of these technologies. As devices shrink to biomolecular sizes, nanoscale interfaces enabling seamless signal transmission and physically connecting biomolecules and devices become crucial. The integration with this interface is expected to evolve into devices becoming part of biological systems, achieving a symbiosis between biomolecules and nanodevices. This fusion of fluctuating living systems and deterministic devices marks a new chapter in nanotechnology, paving the way for hybrid bio-device systems and innovative applications.