Abstract
P-systems are abstract computational models inspired by the phospholipid bilayer membranes generated by biological cells. Illustrated here is a mechanism by which recursive liposome structures (multivesicular liposomes) may be experimentally produced through electroformation of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine films for use in ‘real’ P-systems. We first present the electroformation protocol and microscopic characterisation of incident liposomes towards estimating the size of computing elements, level of internal compartment recursion, fault tolerance and stability. Following, we demonstrate multiple routes towards embedding symbols, namely modification of swelling solutions, passive diffusion, and microinjection. Finally, we discuss how computing devices based on P-systems can be produced and their current limitations.
Highlights
A P-system or ‘membrane computer’ is an abstract computational model inspired by biological reactions occurring within the confines of phospholipid (PL) membrane-encapsulated living cells and their subcomponents
The compartmentalisation was proposed to be realised by test tubes, multisets implemented by DNA molecules, and bio-inspired evolution rules executed by enzyme drive operations with the DNA molecules
Multivesicular liposomes were generated through electroformation on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass microscope slides, each with a resistance of 59 Ω and measuring 25 × 75 × 1.1 mm, using dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC, Avanti Polar Lipids, USA) as the lipid substrate
Summary
A P-system or ‘membrane computer’ is an abstract computational model inspired by biological reactions occurring within the confines of phospholipid (PL) membrane-encapsulated living cells and their subcomponents. [12] led to a patent on a theoretical implementation of P-systems in a system of cascading test tubes [13]. Addition of chemicals into the swelling solution is a method towards embedding symbols in equal concentration between recursive compartments, e.g., we assume that all MVL compartments generated in the experiments above will contain sucrose at a concentration of 300mM, which could be used to represent symbols. Differential distribution of reactants between layers may be achieved through using labelled nano- and microparticles. This method would be a simple route towards symbol embedding, the range of chemicals that may be used for this purpose are limited by their effects on phospholipid membranes. High ionic strength solutions prevent proper hydration of the lipid layer [43]
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