Direct-current electrical characteristics of haemoglobin doped with β-carotene

Abstract

The electrical conductivity of haemoglobin incorporating β-carotene has been investigated at various dopant proportions. Current–voltage (I–V) characteristics are explained using the injection-limited current (ILC) theory. I–V characteristics are sublinear or linear at lower voltages, followed by Poole–Frenkel behaviour at higher ones. A considerable change in the transport parameters suggests a significant protein–carotene interaction.