DNA computing: implementation of data flow logical operations

Self-assembly of DNA is considered a fundamental operation in realization o f molecular logic circuits. We propose a new approach to implementation of data flow logical operations based on manipulating DNA strands. In our meth od the logic gates, input, and output signals are represented by DNA molecu les. Each logical operation is carried out as soon as the operands are read y. This technique employs standard operations of genetic engineering includ ing radioactive labeling as well as digestion by the second class restricti on nuclease and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To check practical utility of the method a series of genetic engineering experiments have been perfor med. The obtained information confirms interesting properties of the DNA-ba sed molecular data flow logic gates. Some experimental results demonstratin g implementation of a single logic NAND gate and only in one vessel calcula tion of a tree-like Boolean function with the help of the PCR are provided. These techniques may be utilized in massively parallel computers and on DN A chips. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.