Synthetic biochemical devices for programmable dynamic behavior

Abstract

The ability to harness biomolecules as tools for systematic engineering is fundamental to future developments of biotechnology and nanotechnology. Especially suitable for such applications are nucleic acid-based circuits with predictable interactions, allowing for rational design of circuit functions and dynamics. Here, we focus on synthetic transcriptional circuits utilizing the modular architecture of nucleic acid templates and the catalytic power of natural enzymes. The programmability of dynamic behaviors for synthetic circuits is illustrated through elementary circuits such as an adapter, a bistableBistable switch, and several oscillators. Further, the effect of downstream processes on the central dynamical system illustrates the need for systematic methods of composing biomolecular circuits. We present insulating and amplifying devices as a solution for scaling up biomolecular networks much as in electronic circuits. Future applications of biomolecular programs will open up new possibilities in nanorobotics, nanomedicine, and artificial cells.