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One area of synthetic biology explores the mechanisms behind the complexity of biological logic gate circuits, aiming to enhance computational speed and unlock biotechnological applications[1].
In electronics, a logic gate is a physical device that implements Boolean functions using input and output signals (0 and 1). Various logic gates are combined to form circuits or devices like multiplexers, registers, arithmetic logic units, and computer memory. These gates are essential for data storage, often arranged in flip-flop circuits, which are fundamental components in digital electronic systems used in computers and communication technologies.
Leveraging principles from electronics, synthetic biologists have designed a variety of biological logic gates. Logic operations are embedded within gene regulatory networks that cells use to process and integrate multiple environmental and cellular signals, allowing them to respond appropriately. By engineering tailored genetic logic circuits that connect various cellular sensors and actuators, we can program living cells to produce specific, desired behaviors in response to particular extracellular or intracellular signaling inputs[2].]
Employing genetic circuits to impart microorganisms with programmable ability, is what we want LANTERN to do —— as an important part of genetic logic circuits, giving complex systems alternative choices when building.
However, many of these gene circuits lack modularity, meaning they are constrained by the need to use specific inputs and outputs[2]. Additionally, they are often not insulated from their host chassis, genetic circuits directly interact with the signals in nature in complex intracellular environments[3].
Given these facts, we consider carefully our LANTERN device.
Traditional gene circuits are akin to non-programmable components in electronics—once constructed, their logical functions cannot be altered.
The advantages of LANTERN are mainly reflected in the following three aspects:
[1] Singh V. (2014). Recent advances and opportunities in synthetic logic gates engineering in living cells. Systems and synthetic biology, 8(4), 271-282.
[2] Wang, B., Kitney, R., Joly, N. et al. Engineering modular and orthogonal genetic logic gates for robust digital-like synthetic biology. Nat Commun 2, 508 (2011).
[3] Xia, P., Ling, H., Foo, J. L., & Chang, M. W. (2019). Synthetic genetic circuits for programmable biological functionalities. Biotechnology Advances, 37(6), 107393.