DNA Computing by Self-Assembly

Information and algorithms appear to be central to biological organization and processes, from the storage and reproduction of genetic information to the control of developmental processes to the sophisticated computations performed by the nervous system. Much as human technology uses electronic microprocessors to control electro-mechanical devices, biological organisms use biochemical circuits to control molecular and chemical events. The ability to engineer and program biochemical circuits, in vivo and in vitro, is poised to transform industries that make use of chemical and nano-structured materials. Although the possibility of constructing biochemical circuits has been explored theoretically since the birth of molecular biology, our practical experience with what biochemical algorithms are capable of and how they can be programmed is very young.