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Controlling Matter at the Molecular Scale with DNA Circuits
Dominic Scalise1, Rebecca Schulman1,2
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA.
Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering
|June 6, 2019
Summary
DNA computing circuits use DNA strands as inputs and outputs to control material assembly. These DNA circuits enable responsive materials that can dynamically interact with their environments.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- DNA sequences can be engineered to sense environmental cues.
- DNA computing offers a paradigm for programming material behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sensing and control mechanisms for DNA-based chemical information processing.
- To explore the potential of DNA circuits in programming responsive materials.
Main Methods:
- Review of DNA-based interfaces for sensing chemical signals, light, pH, and electrical inputs.
- Analysis of DNA strand-directed self-assembly and reconfiguration of nanostructures.
- Examination of DNA's role in regulating particle assemblies, encapsulation, and material manipulation.
Main Results:
- DNA interfaces can release DNA strands in response to diverse environmental stimuli.
- DNA strands can direct the dynamic assembly and reconfiguration of DNA nanostructures.
- Algorithmic control over materials like DNA crystals, hydrogels, and vesicles is achievable.
Conclusions:
- DNA computing circuits can act as chemical information processors.
- Responsive materials programmed by DNA circuits can exhibit complex behaviors.
- Potential for developing self-growing, self-healing, and dynamically interacting materials.
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