Thermodynamic Binding Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a thermodynamic model of molecular computing that aligns equilibrium states with desired computational outputs, overcoming traditional conflicts between kinetics and thermodynamics in DNA-based systems.

Contribution

It presents a novel, general model of molecular computing driven by thermodynamic forces, enabling the design of systems with desired equilibrium states.

Findings

Designed thermodynamically favored Boolean formulas

Created a self-assembling binary counter with correct equilibrium states

Model applicable to various chemical systems beyond DNA nanotechnology

Abstract

Strand displacement and tile assembly systems are designed to follow prescribed kinetic rules (i.e., exhibit a specific time-evolution). However, the expected behavior in the limit of infinite time--known as thermodynamic equilibrium--is often incompatible with the desired computation. Basic physical chemistry implicates this inconsistency as a source of unavoidable error. Can the thermodynamic equilibrium be made consistent with the desired computational pathway? In order to formally study this question, we introduce a new model of molecular computing in which computation is driven by the thermodynamic driving forces of enthalpy and entropy. To ensure greatest generality we do not assume that there are any constraints imposed by geometry and treat monomers as unstructured collections of binding sites. In this model we design Boolean AND/OR formulas, as well as a self-assembling binary counter, where the thermodynamically favored states are exactly the desired final output configurations. Though inspired by DNA nanotechnology, the model is sufficiently general to apply to a wide variety of chemical systems.