Molecular Computation With Automated Microfluidic Sensors (MCAMS)

Abstract

We combined microfluidic technology with recently developed algorithms of nucleic acid-based computing to demonstrate a compact, automated nucleotide-based computational device capable of rapid detection of computational output. We explored both experimental and theoretical aspects of the construction of microfluidic nucleic acid computing. Microreactors implementing Boolean operators lent themselves to a relatively simple implementation of DNA computing. On the theoretical side, we simulated the performance of individual reactors and designed small reactor systems (sorters) mimicking AND and OR gates and systems capable of solving complex Boolean expressions. We compared positive vs. negative selection and parallel vs. series arrangements of reactors, considering both the accuracy of and disproportionate representation ( bias ) within the final pool of solutions. We also developed O(P2) software that designs operating instructions for an O(NL) system capable of solving any Boolean expression. We developed software for automated data collection and signal analysis of electronic detection of labeled DNA and explored novel nanocrystal probes that enable detection of DNA for readout in on-chip electrical assays. We focused in the areas of methods to produce nanocrystals bearing precise numbers of oligonucleotides, and development of nanocrystal precise groupings that bear a collective signature.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA426843

Entities

People

  • Laura Landweber
  • Lydia L Sohn
  • Paul Alivasatos

Organizations

  • Princeton University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Basic Programming Language
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Computations
  • Computers
  • Construction
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Instructions
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Molecules
  • Nanocrystals
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Quantum Dots
  • Semiconductors

Readers

  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Oncology and Biomarker-Based Cancer Detection.
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems