Synthesis of programmable biological central processing system. (17th February 2021) - Li, Wei-Xian
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.