Synthesis of programmable biological central processing system. (17th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Wei-Xian; Cheng, Jiangfeng; Lin, Chun-Liang; Juang, Chia-Feng
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Chinese Institute of Engineers. Volume 44:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 104
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17
• Subjects: Synthetic biology -- genetic oscillator -- genetic logic gate -- biological computer; Technology -- Periodicals; Engineering -- Periodicals; 620.005
• DOI: 10.1080/02533839.2020.1856730
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0253-3839

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Along with the rapid development of synthetic biology, the technology of biological computers has become increasingly mature in recent years. In this paper, we propose a structure for a biological central processing unit (Bio-CPU) based on biological binary computing features. The Bio-CPU is constructed from a class of biological circuits with specific functions and a genetic clock source to trigger a series of sequential steps. The biological logic gates change their outputs at two protein concentration levels (active and inactive statuses), and the genetic clock provides a periodic signal to synchronize actions of related biological sequential logic circuits. Design of the Bio-CPU partly imitates a silicon CPU with modifications to fit the features of biological units. The proposed structure consists of three major parts: a biological arithmetic logic unit (Bio-ALU), a biological control unit (Bio-CU), and a biological memory unit (Bio-MU). Biological details of the system synthesis are explained. Demonstrations have been conducted and presented to illustrate the function of each functional module.