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Center for Nonlinear Studies |
In this talk, our theoretical-modeling research effort in the field of biochemical computing will be outlined. This work has been a part of a research program at Clarkson University to explore experimentally and designing theoretically, noise-reduction techniques for robust functioning of logic based on enzymatic reactions. Enzymatic reactions have been developed to mimic digital logic gate functions and certain elementary arithmetic operations. Biochemical reactions "networked" in a Boolean logic circuit, promise new applications such as multiple-input sensing resulting in response/actuation of the "digital" (threshold) nature. Indeed, medical testing/sensing/transduction, drug delivery, and implantable devices, all have involved constantly increasing complexity of "decision making" and interfacing with the ordinary electronics in externally connected information/signal processing/sensing devices. The ultimate goal of this scientific development has been diagnostic applications based on multiple biochemical signals. Instead of detecting each signal electronically, enzymatic reactions are utilized for "decision making," i.e., biochemical computing (biochemical information processing). The idea has been to take the wires and batteries out of wearable and implantable diagnostic devices, replacing them with biochemical patches, test strips, etc. The applications being pursued are those of "alert" sensors for medical conditions that require immediate attention.
Host: Dima Mozyrsky