A biochemical logic gate using an enzyme and its inhibitor. Part II: The logic gate

Abstract

Enzyme-Based Logic Gates (ENLOGs) are key components in bio-molecular systems for information processing. This report and the previous one in this series address the characterization of two bio-molecular switching elements, namely the α-chymotrypsin (αCT) derivative p-phenylazobenzoyl-α-chymotrypsin (PABαCT) and its inhibitor (proflavine), as well as their assembly into a logic gate. The experimental output of the proposed system is expressed in terms of enzymic activity and this was translated into logic output (i.e. “1” or “0”) relative to a predetermined threshold value. We have found that an univalent link exists between the dominant isomers of PABαCT ( cis or trans), the dominant form of either acridine (proflavine) or acridan and the logic output of the system. Thus, of all possible combinations, only the trans-PABαCT and the acridan lead to an enzymic activity that can be defined as logic output “1”. The system operates under the rules of Boolean algebra and performs as an “AND” logic gate.