Computation of decision problems within messages in DNA-tile-based molecular nanonetworks

Abstract

Akyildiz et al. envisioned the use of nanonetworks as a new paradigm for computation and communication on a very small scale. We present a new approach to implement nanonetworks with molecular communication using tile-based self-assembly systems on the basis of DNA. In this model, the medium of communication is filled with DNA-based molecules. Furthermore, some nanobots are capable of creating or releasing said molecules. Once present, they can be detected by other nanobots and interpreted as messages. Some DNA-based molecule systems are capable of universal computation. We show that it is possible to construct systems, in which the evaluation to true of an arbitrary decision problem is a precondition for the assembly of a message molecule. We relocate computations from nanobots into message molecules, thereby revolutionizing the paradigm for computation in nanonetworks. This approach can be interpreted as computation inside the communication channel. We further present message molecules that only assemble if a marker has been detected at least k times, as a proof of concept.