# Protocell Computing on Aragonite Substrates

## TL;DR

Aragonite-proteinoid microstructures can perform basic computing tasks and generate signals autonomously, offering potential for bioelectronic applications.

## Contribution

Aragonite-proteinoid microstructures enable Boolean logic operations and autonomous oscillatory behavior for biohybrid computing.

## Key findings

- Aragonite-proteinoid structures perform all seven basic Boolean logic operations using analog-to-binary signal classification.
- These microstructures exhibit autonomous oscillatory behavior for over 25 hours at ultralow frequencies.
- They show electrochemical degradation over time but maintain stable resistive and capacitive properties.

## Abstract

Aragonite-proteinoid microstructures are an emerging
type of biocomputing
material. They mix inorganic calcium carbonate with self-assembled
organic proteinoid networks. Scanning electron microscopy shows a
range of structures. These include isolated microspheres and complex
networks over 50 μm. They have dendritic shapes, with uneven
nodes that create linear patterns resembling simple network topologies.
Electrochemical testing shows a threshold response. This allows for
all seven basic Boolean logic operations: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR,
XOR, and XNOR. It does this by classifying analog signals into binary
states. This suggests a promising future for material-based computation.
Frequency-dependent square wave voltammetry shows power-law scaling.
It performs best in the 30–50 Hz range, which is important
for biological use. This indicates adjustable electrochemical properties
that are ideal for bioelectronic applications. The systems show autonomous
oscillatory behavior for over 25 h. They maintain a steady ultralow
frequency, like biological rhythms. This means they generate signals
on their own, without any outside help. Impedance spectroscopy shows
stable circuit features. There are strong links between resistive
and capacitive parts. However, cyclic voltammetry shows that electrochemical
degradation increases over time. These findings show that aragonite-proteinoid
microstructures are well-suited for novel computing uses. They can
help with things like autonomous sensing, neuromorphic devices, and
biohybrid electronics. These microstructures use mineral-organic interfaces
for processing information and generating signals. This approach connects
synthetic materials to biological computing principles.