DNA-based Boolean logic gates (AND, OR and NOT) can be assembled into complex computational circuits that generate an output signal in response to specific patterns of oligonucleotide inputs. However, the fundamental nature of NOT gates, which convert the absence of an input into an output, makes their implementation within DNA-based circuits difficult. Premature execution of a NOT gate before completion of its upstream computation introduces an irreversible error into the circuit. We developed a novel DNA gate design utilizing photocaging groups that prevents gate function until irradiation at a certain time-point. Optical activation provides temporal control over circuit performance by preventing premature computation and is orthogonal to all components of DNA computation devices. Using this approach, we designed NAND and NOR logic gates that respond to synthetic microRNA inputs. We further demonstrate the utility of the NOT gate within multi-layer circuits in response to a specific pattern of four microRNAs.

中文翻译：

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用于DNA计算的光化学非门

基于DNA的布尔逻辑门（AND，OR和NOT）可以组装成复杂的计算电路，这些电路可响应寡核苷酸输入的特定模式而生成输出信号。但是，非门的基本性质将输入的不存在转换为输出，使得它们难以在基于DNA的电路中实现。在非门的上游计算完成之前过早执行它会在电路中引入不可逆的错误。我们利用光笼基团开发了一种新颖的DNA门设计，该设计可防止门功能直至在特定时间点照射。光学激活通过防止过早的计算来提供对电路性能的时间控制，并且与DNA计算设备的所有组件正交。使用这种方法，我们设计了可响应合成microRNA输入的NAND和NOR逻辑门。我们进一步证明了多层电路内NOT门的效用，以响应四种microRNA的特定模式。