Biomolecular interfaces based on self-assembly and self-recognition form biosensors capable of recording molecular binding and releaseElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c8nr10090j

This research proposed to create the next generation of versatile electrochemical-based biosensors capable of monitoring target capture and release as dictated by molecular binding or unbinding. The biosensor integrates cellular machines ( i.e. , microtubules, structural elements of cells and kinesin molecular motors involved in cellular transport) as functional units; its assembly is based on molecular self-assembly and self-recognition. Our results demonstrate that the designed biosensor was capable of allowing detection of binding and unbinding events based on redox reactions at user-controlled electrode interfaces. The analysis also showed that the sensitivity of the designed biosensor or its ability to record such events could be user-controlled at any given time by adjusting the energy source that "fuels" the system. Cellular components manipulated in a synthetic environment form a biosensor capable of evaluating association and dissociation as related to molecular self-recognition and self-assembly.