Nanopore Decoding of Oligonucleotides in DNA Computing

Abstract

In conventional DNA-computation methods involving logic gate operations, the output molecules are detected and decoded mainly by gel electrophoresis or fluorescence measurements. To employ rapid and label-free decoding, nanopore technology, an emerging methodology for single-molecule detection or DNA sequencing, is proposed as a candidate for electrical and simple decoding of DNA computations. This review describes recent approaches to decoding DNA computation using label-free and electrical nanopore measurements. Several attempts have been successful in DNA decoding with the nanopore either through enzymatic reactions or in water-in-oil droplets. Additionally, DNA computing combined with nanopore decoding has clinical applications, including microRNA detection for early diagnosis of cancers. Because this decoding methodology is still in development and not yet widely accepted, this review aims to inform the scientific community regarding usefulness.

Keywords: DNA logic gates; DNA sequencing; lipid bilayers; nanopores; single molecule detection.