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Emergent digital bio-computation through spatial diffusion and engineered bacteria

Author

Listed:
  • Alex J. H. Fedorec

    (University College London)

  • Neythen J. Treloar

    (University College London)

  • Ke Yan Wen

    (University College London)

  • Linda Dekker

    (University College London)

  • Qing Hsuan Ong

    (University College London)

  • Gabija Jurkeviciute

    (University College London)

  • Enbo Lyu

    (University College London)

  • Jack W. Rutter

    (University College London)

  • Kathleen J. Y. Zhang

    (University College London)

  • Luca Rosa

    (University College London)

  • Alexey Zaikin

    (University College London
    University College London)

  • Chris P. Barnes

    (University College London)

Abstract

Biological computing is a promising field with potential applications in biosafety, environmental monitoring, and personalized medicine. Here we present work on the design of bacterial computers using spatial patterning to process information in the form of diffusible morphogen-like signals. We demonstrate, mathematically and experimentally, that single, modular, colonies can perform simple digital logic, and that complex functions can be built by combining multiple colonies, removing the need for further genetic engineering. We extend our experimental system to incorporate sender colonies as morphogen sources, demonstrating how one might integrate different biochemical inputs. Our approach will open up ways to perform biological computation, with applications in bioengineering, biomaterials and biosensing. Ultimately, these computational bacterial communities will help us explore information processing in natural biological systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex J. H. Fedorec & Neythen J. Treloar & Ke Yan Wen & Linda Dekker & Qing Hsuan Ong & Gabija Jurkeviciute & Enbo Lyu & Jack W. Rutter & Kathleen J. Y. Zhang & Luca Rosa & Alexey Zaikin & Chris P. Bar, 2024. "Emergent digital bio-computation through spatial diffusion and engineered bacteria," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49264-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49264-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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