Molecular-Based Computing Device

Background:
NCI seeks partners to work with the Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biology to develop a working prototype of this protein-based computer. This collaboration is open for a multi-party collaboration where one collaborator provides biological expertise, particularly in the field of genetic engineering, and the second provides silicon-based technological expertise, particularly expertise in silicon micromachining.

Technology:
The National Cancer Institute developed a new molecular-based computing device which operates by the select binding of proteins along a construct. The device acts in a manner analogous to electronic-based computers, such as by way of flip-flops, AND gates, etc. Coupling of the gates allows for molecular computing.

Potential Areas of Application:

• Storage, transformation of binary information, and signal readout
• Encoding read only memory for microscopic identifiers
• Digital control of gene expression
• Quantification of analytics
• Complex regulation of gene expression

Main Advantages of Technology/Invention:

• Nano-sized computer
• Ability to manipulate its computing elements.

Current State of Development:
Pending patent application covering this molecular-based computing device.

Further R&D Required:
Development of a working construct employing this molecular-based computing device.

IP Status:

• US 6,774,222 granted 8/14/04
• EU 1057118 granted 5/28/03

Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D., NCI Technology Transfer Center
Phone: 301-435-3121
E-mail: Hewesj@mail.nih.gov

Reference:  #206 JH

Updated 11/02/2007