In this paper, a logic computing model was constructed using a DNA nanoparticle, combined with color change technology of DNA/Au nanoparticle conjugates, and DNA computing. Several important technologies are utilized in this molecular computing model: DNA self-assembly, DNA/Au nanoparticle conjugation, and the color change resulting from Au nanoparticle aggregation. The simple logic computing model was realized by a color change, resulting from changing of DNA self-assembly. Based on this computing model, a set of operations computing model was also established, by which a simple logic problem was solved. To enlarge the applications of this logic nanocomputing system, a molecular detection method was developed for H1N1 virus gene detection.
Because of the simplicity of cells, the key to building biological computing systems may lie in constructing distributed systems based on cell–cell communication. Guided by a mathematical model, in this study we designed,simulated, and constructed a genetic double-branch structure in the bacterium Escherichia coli. This genetic double-branch structure is composed of a control cell and two reporter cells.The control cell can activate different reporter cells according to the input. Two quorum-sensing signal molecules, 3OC12-HSL and C4-HSL, form the wires between the control cell and the reporter cells. This study is a step toward scalable biological computation, and it may have many potential applications in biocomputing, biosensing, and biotherapy.
