DNA Nanotechnology-based Biocomputing

Abstract

With silicon-based microelectronic technology pushed to its limit, scientists hunt to exploit biomolecules to power the bio-computer as substitutes. As a typical biomolecule, DNA now has been employed as a tool to create computing systems because of its superior parallel computing ability and outstanding data storage capability. However, the key challenges in this area lie in the human intervention during the computation process and the lack of platforms for central processor. DNA nanotechnology has created hundreds of complex and hierarchical DNA nanostructures with highly controllable motions by exploiting the unparalleled self-recognition properties of DNA molecule. These DNA nanostructures can provide platforms for central processor and reduce the human intervention during the computation process, which can offer unprecedented opportunities for biocomputing. In this review, recent advances in DNA nanotechnology are briefly summarized and the newly emerging concept of biocomputing with DNA nanostructures is introduced.