Advancing DNA Computing: A Faster, Rewritable Approach

• Dic 22, 2024 - 17:04

DNA, the molecule encoding life’s instructions, also has the potential to revolutionize computing. Alongside enzymes and other biological molecules, DNA performs intricate computations, from determining physical traits to assessing disease risk. Now, researchers have taken a major step toward DNA-based computers, introducing a fast, sequential, and rewritable DNA computing method as reported in ACS Central Science.

"DNA computing as a liquid computing paradigm offers unique application scenarios and promises massive data storage and processing capabilities," explains Fei Wang, a co-author of the study.

In living organisms, DNA expression unfolds sequentially: genes are transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins. This natural process operates simultaneously across numerous genes. Mimicking this sophisticated system in DNA-based computers could lead to devices that surpass today’s silicon-based machines in power and efficiency. While sequential DNA computing has been demonstrated for specific tasks, progress toward programmable, reusable DNA devices for broader applications has been limited.

Chunhai Fan, Wang, and their team previously developed a programmable DNA integrated circuit with multiple logic gates. This system utilized short single-stranded DNA pieces, or oligonucleotides, to represent binary data (0 or 1).

For instance:

Input DNA strands interacted with a logic gate (e.g., an OR gate).
The output DNA strand was generated, bound to a DNA origami register (a folded DNA structure), and read.
The output was released and used as input for the next logic gate, continuing the computation.

However, this approach required hours and manual intervention to transfer output DNA strands between logic gates, limiting its efficiency.

To address these challenges, the researchers streamlined the process by anchoring the DNA origami register onto a solid 2D glass surface. Output oligonucleotides from specific logic gates attached directly to the glass-mounted register, where they were read, detached, and reset for reuse. This eliminated the need to physically move registers. Additionally, the team designed an amplifier to enhance the output signal, ensuring seamless interactions between gates, oligonucleotides, and registers.

In a proof-of-concept experiment, all reactions occurred within a single tube, completing in just 90 minutes.

"This research sets the stage for developing large-scale DNA computing circuits with high speed and provides a foundation for visual debugging and automated execution of DNA molecular algorithms," says Wang.

The breakthrough paves the way for DNA-based computers capable of faster, more versatile, and efficient operations, potentially transforming data processing and storage in the future.

Responder