Biochip composition In molecular electronics–style biochips, active sensing layers are commonly constructed from what type of materials integrated with biological frameworks?

Introduction / Context:
“Biochips” couple biological recognition (proteins, nucleic acids) with microfabricated or molecular electronic substrates (silicon, organic semiconductors). The synergy enables transduction of binding events into measurable electrical or optical signals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Functional biochips require both a biorecognition layer and a transduction material.
• Semiconducting materials (inorganic or organic) are widely used for sensitive transduction.

Concept / Approach:
Semiconducting layers (for example, organic semiconductors, silicon, conductive oxides) can host immobilized proteins/oligos, forming hybrid interfaces. Charge, field, or photonic changes upon binding are transduced into signals. Pure metals or insulators without biolayers do not provide specificity.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Field-effect transistor biosensors, organic electrochemical transistors, and silicon photonic biochips all rely on semiconducting transducers with immobilized biomolecules.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Pure metals or nonconducting polymers without recognition layers lack specificity or transduction.
• “Any of the above” ignores the need for matched materials and recognition chemistry.
• Glass alone is a substrate, not an active biochip without electronics/biochemistry.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing generic lab substrates with integrated bioelectronic platforms.

Final Answer:
Semiconducting molecules integrated into protein frameworks