Tri-state logic computation by activating DNA origami chains

The invention of DNA nanotechnology has enabled molecular computation as a promising substitute for traditional semiconductors which are limited to two-dimensional architectures and by heating problems resulting from densification. Current studies of logic gates achieved using DNA molecules are predominately focused on two-state operations (AND, OR, etc.); however, realizing tri-state logic (high impedance Z) in DNA computation is understudied. Here we actively fold DNA origami chain-like hinged rods to induce conformational changes that return tri-state logic signals. We use rigid six helix-bundle (6HB) DNA origami to self-assemble a linear trimer chain as a circuit platform with functional single-stranded (ss) DNA near each semi-flexible hinge. The presence or absence of ssDNA enable and input strands allows hybridization to take place at the hinges, activating one fold (0) or two folds (1) from the straight linear geometry (defined as High-Z) of the trimer chain. We design two different tri-state logic gate platforms, buffer and inverter, with corresponding enable/input ssDNA to unambiguously return tri-state signals, characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and/or agarose gel electrophoresis (GEL). Our work on tri-state logic significantly enhances DNA computation beyond the current two-state Boolean logic with both research and industrial applications, including cellular treatments and living matter utilizing the biocompatibility of DNA molecules.