Self-Assembling Molecular Logic Gates Based on DNA Crossover Tiles.

DNA-based computational hardware has attracted ever-growing attention due to its potential to be useful in the analysis of complex mixtures of biological markers. Here we report the design of self-assembling logic gates that recognize DNA inputs and assemble into crossover tiles when the output signal is high; the crossover structures disassemble to form separate DNA stands when the output is low. The output signal can be conveniently detected by fluorescence using a molecular beacon probe as a reporter. AND, NOT, and OR logic gates were designed. We demonstrate that the gates can connect to each other to produce other logic functions.

Molecular logic gates for DNA analysis: detection of rifampin resistance in M. tuberculosis DNA.

Elementary, Dr. Watson! A combination of YES and OR logic gates was applied to differentiate between DNA sequences of wild-type and rifampin-resistant (Rif(r)) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a multiplex real-time fluorescent assay.