Molecular Computing Elements:
TD Schneider, PN Hengen (NCI)
Informal Description of the Invention:
A completely molecular
computer can be constructed using designed DNA and DNA binding proteins.
Several versions of the device are possible. In the simplest device,
bacteria or other cells are programmed with DNA sequences and DNA binding
proteins that execute logical Boolean operations. It is also possible to
construct molecular computers outside cells, but in this case special
attention must be paid to providing energy to run the computer. The
technology is based on the concept of a molecular flip-flop in which one or
more proteins compete for binding to binding sites that overlap. Because
only one protein can bind at a time but there are two ways for it to bind,
the method can also be used to double the sensitivity of diagnostic assays.
Formal Description of the Invention:
The present invention is a method and apparatus for molecular
computing which provides for molecular logic devices analogous to those
of electronic computers, such as flip-flops, AND gates, etc. Coupling
of the gates allows for molecular computing. The method allows data
storage, the transformation of binary information and signal readout.
Possible applications include encoding ``read only'' memory for
microscopic identifiers, digital control of gene expression, and
quantification of analytes. The computing elements also provide means
for complex regulation of gene expression.
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European Patent No: 1057118
(PDF)
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Granted August 10, 2004 United States Patent 6,774,222 at the US patent office United States Patent 6,774,222 at www.freepatentsonline.com |
Molecular Flip-Flops Formed by Overlapping Fis Sites
is a paper describing the biology behind the idea.
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Article:
Molecular OS Gets Upgrade,
by Ivan Oransky in
The Scientist
(Volume 18, Issue 19, 38, Oct. 11, 2004),
describes our recently patented
method for molecular computing
as of 2004 Oct 11.
:
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing
AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, DHHS.
DHHS Reference No. E-170-97/0 filed Feb. 20, 1998
SUMMARY: The invention listed above is owned by agencies of the U.S. Government and is available for licensing in the U.S. in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing.
ADDRESSES: Licensing information and copies of the U.S. patent application listed above may be obtained by writing to the indicated licensing contact at the Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, Maryland 20852-3804; telephone 301/496-7057; fax: 301/402-0220. A signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required to receive copies of the patent applications.
Dated: May 7, 1998. Jack Spiegel, Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of Technology Transfer. [FR Doc. 98-13011 Filed 5-14-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-M
Schneider Lab
origin: 1998 June 16
updated:
2007 Dec 13