De Novo Biomachines
Abstract
The aim of this project is to design and synthesize bioinspired functional modules for information processing, to assemble these modules into functional elements, to characterize their performance, and to use theory to understand the observed function and to refine the performance. The project involves the close collaboration among theory, molecular and macromolecular design, synthesis, and state-of-the-art physical characterization methods that include fast and ultrafast dynamical experiments that interrogate charge and ion transport. The project will create functional assemblies based on de novo protein modules that will move charge across distances from nanometers to micrometers. The flow of electrons will trigger the polarization or depolarization of trans-membrane ionic concentration gradients. We will also explore the capture of mechanical energy to drive charge flow. The project will thus establish de novo modules (building blocks) that can be assembled into simple circuits that mimic the elementary processes of biological neural processing and may enable high- efficiency neural like computation. The appeal of this approach is that it will define an enabling technology for the rapid manufacture of information processing networks (e.g., via printing of bioinspired de novo designed components) that circumvents the energetically wasteful need to maintain a host of ancillary cellular functions that do not directly contribute to neural computation tasks of interest.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 29, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1190052
Entities
People
- David Beratan
Organizations
- Duke University