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Article
A synthetic biology challenge: making cells compute
Molecular BioSystems (2007)
  • Cheemeng Tan, Duke University
  • Hao Song, Duke University
  • Jarad Niemi, Duke University
  • Lingchong You, Duke University
Abstract
Advances in biology and engineering have enabled the reprogramming of cells with well-defined
functions, leading to the emergence of synthetic biology. Early successes in this nascent field
suggest its potential to impact diverse areas. Here, we examine the feasibility of engineering
circuits for cell-based computation. We illustrate the basic concepts by describing the mapping of
several computational problems to engineered gene circuits. Revolving around these examples and
past studies, we discuss technologies and computational methods available to design, test, and
optimize gene circuits. We conclude with discussion of challenges involved in a typical design
cycle, as well as those specific to cellular computation.
Publication Date
2007
DOI
10.1039/b618473c
Citation Information
Cheemeng Tan, Hao Song, Jarad Niemi and Lingchong You. "A synthetic biology challenge: making cells compute" Molecular BioSystems Vol. 3 Iss. 5 (2007) p. 343 - 353
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jarad_niemi/14/