Effective construction of a AuNPs–DNA system for the implementation of various advanced logic gates

Abstract

In this work, we integrate DNA computing at the nanoscale on the basis of the self-assembly of single stranded polyA-DNA on AuNPs as a precursor solution. As a “lab-on-a-nanoparticle”, the intelligent DNA strand modified AuNPs could be operated to realize a variety of Boolean logic gates including half adder, half subtractor, 2:1 encoder and 4:2 encoder under enzyme-free conditions for the first time. The signal readout methods, FAM fluorescence, G-quadruplex enhanced fluorescence of NMM and the i-motif structure enhanced fluorescence of CV were used to report the final signal in different logic operations, respectively. The mechanisms were further investigated by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These investigations provide a wider field of vision towards prototypical DNA-based circuits in biological systems and promote the development of advanced logic circuits.