Intelligent medical diagnostics via molecular logic

In this communication, we describe the integration of microarray sensor technology with logic capability for screening combinations of proteins and DNA in a biological sample. In this system, we have demonstrated the use of a single platform amenable to both protein detection and protein-DNA detection using molecular logic gates. The pattern of protein and DNA inputs results in fluorescence outputs according to a truth table for AND and INHIBIT gates, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of performing medical diagnostics using a logic gate design. One possible application of this technique would be for the direct screening of various medical conditions that are dependent on combinations of diagnostic markers. Molecular logic gates and molecular computational systems have used a variety of recognition mechanisms including proteins, 1-5 biochemical pathways in living cells, 6-15 and DNA16-31. Molecular logic and computation may also be applied to medical diagnostics. For example, if abnormal results were detected during medical examination, they could be interpreted using Boolean logic resulting in intelligent diagnostics. In this communication, we report the integration of microarray sensor technology with logic capability for screening combination