Modular DNA Logic Gate Units for Molecular Computation

Abstract

The University of Central Florida invention consists of DNA logic gate complexes that offer a way to design customizable and programmable logic circuitry that can be applied to low-cost manufacturing and scaled to DNA molecular computers. Companies can use the technology to diagnose various diseases such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, immune diseases, and cancer. Others can use the invention for biosensors in imaging.

Key computing characteristics enable the invention to do the following:

• Detect and interact with DNA and RNA analyte molecules
• Execute an output after simultaneously identifying multiple DNA and/or RNA analyte molecules
• Enable modular integration to construct a variety of molecular circuits. The DNA molecular circuits can identify multiple DNA and RNA sequences and their expression levels involved in genetic and pathogenic disorders.

The different DNA molecular circuits can be designed to agree in diagnosis even when identifying multifarious analytes.

Technical Details: The UCF DNA logic gate complexes enable the programming of different logic operators, which are known as universal in electronic computers (e.g. NAND logic gates). They consist of several oligonucleotide strands assembled to form two functionally distinct components of the DNA computing nanostructure:

• A DNA scaffold composed of two pairs of oligonucleotide strands, and
• At least one modular DNA logic unit (gate) comprising a pair of oligonucleotide strands (arbitrarily, A strand and B strand).

The DNA scaffold can be a flexible hybridization board for integrating multiple logic units. Its size and sequence are customizable without reaching chemical synthesis limitations, and it has four strands?two rails (22-150 nt) and two staples (10-250 nt)?for building a DNA circuit. Additionally, homologous DNA scaffolds can be connected to increase the circuit size.

In the invention, novel DNA logic gates, such as OR, NAND, and IMPLY resulted from the connectivity of multiple YES and/or NOT gate modular logic units in parallel and simultaneously recognize multiple input miRNAs.

In one embodiment, the DNA nanostructures performed their designed logic operations in aqueous solution at room temperature, approximately 22-25°C, and showed a robust response after two months when stored in the same conditions. Thus, it can be manufactured and stored before shipment and usage.

Partnering Opportunity: The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.

Stage of Development: Prototype available.

Benefit

Market Application