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Scaling-up molecular logic to meso-systems via self-assembly

Author

Listed:
  • Ze-Qing Chen

    (Queen’s University)

  • Brian Daly

    (Queen’s University)

  • Chao-Yi Yao

    (Yuelu District)

  • Hannah S. N. Crory

    (Queen’s University)

  • Yikai Xu

    (Queen’s University
    East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Ziwei Ye

    (Queen’s University)

  • H. Q. Nimal Gunaratne

    (Queen’s University)

  • Ayumi Kimura

    (The University of Tokyo)

  • Seiichi Uchiyama

    (The University of Tokyo)

  • Steven E. J. Bell

    (Queen’s University)

  • Eric V. Anslyn

    (Queen’s University
    University of Texas at Austin)

  • A. Prasanna Silva

    (Queen’s University)

Abstract

Due to the small size and biocompatibility of molecules, molecular logic-based computation is a gateway to the informational basis of life processes. Logic-based computation operates widely with discrete molecules of up to nanometric sizes. The contribution of molecule-based bulk materials of milli/centimetric size to the field has begun in more recent years. However, artificial molecule-based meso-scale systems which intrinsically perform logic operations are very rare. Here, we show that self-assembled systems consisting of cyclophane octacarboxylates and a cationic surfactant can perform such functions, where a membrane itself behaves as a Reset-Set Flip-Flop which is integrated with 7 more logic elements. Now that molecular logic-based computation operates across a wide range of contiguous size-scales, the way opens for its general use in information processing aspects of biology and synthetic biology.

Suggested Citation

  • Ze-Qing Chen & Brian Daly & Chao-Yi Yao & Hannah S. N. Crory & Yikai Xu & Ziwei Ye & H. Q. Nimal Gunaratne & Ayumi Kimura & Seiichi Uchiyama & Steven E. J. Bell & Eric V. Anslyn & A. Prasanna Silva, 2025. "Scaling-up molecular logic to meso-systems via self-assembly," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58379-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58379-0
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