Engineering natural computation by autonomous DNA-based biomolecular devices
This chapter overviews the past and current state of a selected part of the emerging research area of DNA-based biomolecular devices. We particularly emphasize molecular devices that are: autonomous, executing steps with no exterior mediation after starting; and programmable, the tasks executed can be modified without entirely redesigning the nanostructure. We discuss work in this area that makes use of synthetic DNA to self-assemble into DNA nanostructure devices. Recently, there has been a series of impressive experimental results that have taken the technology from a state of intriguing possibilities into demonstrated capabilities of quickly increasing scale. We discuss various such programmable molecular-scale devices that achieve: computation, 2D patterning, amplified sensing, and molecular or nanoscale transport. This article is written for a general audience, and particularly emphasizes the interdisciplinary aspects of this quickly evolving and exciting field.
