Computational Modalities of Belousov-Zhabotinsky Encapsulated Vesicles

TL;DR

This paper explores how connected vesicles containing Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction solutions can perform computation by manipulating wave interactions, demonstrating basic logic gates and complex circuits through simulation and partial experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to chemical computing using vesicle networks with BZ reactions, combining simulation and empirical evidence for their computational capabilities.

Findings

Connected vesicle networks can implement Boolean logic gates.

Wave interactions enable complex circuit construction.

Simulation and partial empirical results support computational utility.

Abstract

We present both simulated and partial empirical evidence for the computational utility of many connected vesicle analogs of an encapsulated non-linear chemical processing medium. By connecting small vesicles containing a solution of sub-excitable Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, sustained and propagating wave fragments are modulated by both spatial geometry, network connectivity and their interaction with other waves. The processing ability is demonstrated through the creation of simple Boolean logic gates and then by the combination of those gates to create more complex circuits.