Resistive switching memory using biomaterials

Abstract

Resistive switching memory (ReRAM) is emerging as a developed technology for a new generation of non-volatile memory devices. Natural organic biomaterials are potential elements of environmentally-benign, biocompatible, and biodegradable electronic devices for information storage and resorbable medical implants. Here, we highlight progress in exploiting biomaterials to fabricate a special category of bio-nanoelectronic memories called biodegradable resistive random access memory (bio-ReRAM). Bio-ReRAMs are beneficial because they are non-toxic and environmentally benign. Various types of biomaterials with their chemical compound, bio-ReRAM device design and structure, their relevance resistive switching (RS) behavior, and conduction mechanism are considered in detail. Particularly, we report physically-transient devices, their corresponding switching mechanism, and their dissolution by immersion in water. Finally, we review recent progress in the development of various types of flexible bio-ReRAMs, focusing on their flexibility and reliability as bendable nanoelectronics. Because most of these devices are candidates to become wearable, skin-compatible, and even digestible smart electronics, we discuss the future improvement of natural materials and the perspective of novel bio-ReRAMs.