A deoxyribozyme-based molecular automaton

Nat Biotechnol. 2003 Sep;21(9):1069-74. doi: 10.1038/nbt862. Epub 2003 Aug 17.

Abstract

We describe a molecular automaton, called MAYA, which encodes a version of the game of tic-tac-toe and interactively competes against a human opponent. The automaton is a Boolean network of deoxyribozymes that incorporates 23 molecular-scale logic gates and one constitutively active deoxyribozyme arrayed in nine wells (3x3) corresponding to the game board. To make a move, MAYA carries out an analysis of the input oligonucleotide keyed to a particular move by the human opponent and indicates a move by fluorescence signaling in a response well. The cycle of human player input and automaton response continues until there is a draw or a victory for the automaton. The automaton cannot be defeated because it implements a perfect strategy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Base Sequence
  • Competitive Behavior
  • Computers, Molecular*
  • Computing Methodologies*
  • Cybernetics / methods*
  • DNA, Catalytic / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Information Storage and Retrieval / methods*
  • Logic
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Molecular Sequence Data

Substances

  • DNA, Catalytic
  • Macromolecular Substances