The art of molecular computing: Whence and whither

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular Engineering
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Living cells utilize diverse biomolecular circuitry for essential functions.
• Biomolecules can be engineered for non-native applications, including computation.
• Molecular computation represents an unconventional paradigm for addressing complex challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of molecular computation across three distinct eras.
• To highlight key experimental advancements in molecular computing.
• To discuss the diverse applications and future potential of molecular computing.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and contemporary experiments in molecular computation.
• Categorization of molecular computation into three developmental stages: molecular solutions, logic circuits, and molecular networks.
• Analysis of applications ranging from NP-hard problem-solving to nanostructures.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of molecular solutions for computational problems.
• Development of molecular logic circuits for computation.
• Emergence of complex molecular networks capable of advanced computations.
• Successful application in solving NP-hard problems and creating self-assembled nanostructures.

Conclusions:

• Molecular computation has progressed significantly through distinct developmental eras.
• This field offers diverse applications, including solving complex computational problems and in nanomedicine.
• Molecular computing holds substantial promise for future technological advancements.