Nanoparticle Von Neumann Computing With Reprogrammable DNA Instructions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nanostructure-driven molecular computing systems are limited to single-program operations, require extensive redesign for reprogramming, and suffer from irreversible structural changes, hindering scalability and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A nanoparticle-based Von Neumann Architecture (NVNA) is implemented using a lipid nanotablet, separating nanostructure hardware from instruction code, enabling modular and scalable computing by using DNA strands for programming and allowing multiple computational tasks without reconfiguring the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If nanostructure-driven molecular computing systems are used, then computing operations can be performed, but the system is limited to single-program operations and requires extensive redesign for reprogramming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprogrammabilityVSAvoidredesign requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a fixed nanoparticle hardware platform and separate DNA instruction strands. The nanoparticle assembly remains unchanged while different DNA instruction sets enable different computing operations, allowing reprogramming without hardware redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The programming functionality is extracted from the hardware structure and implemented as separate DNA instruction molecules. This separates the computational logic from the physical platform, enabling the same nanoparticle system to execute different programs by simply changing the DNA instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If single operation is performed in nanostructure-driven molecular computing, then the operation can be completed, but fuel molecules are consumed and irreversible structural changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation completionVSAvoidfuel molecule consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses DNA instruction strands that can be discarded after a single use and replaced with fresh instructions. The nanoparticle hardware platform remains intact and reusable, while the consumable DNA molecules are exchanged to enable repeated operations without permanent hardware degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If nanostructure-driven molecular computing system is operated, then computing function is achieved, but reversibility of the computing system is hampered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing operationVSAvoidstructural reversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates permanent structural components (nanoparticle assembly) from temporary operational components (DNA instructions). The nanoparticle hardware maintains its stable structure across multiple operations, while the DNA instructions are exchanged rather than modified, preserving structural reversibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If fixed logic circuit is used in lipid nanotablet, then the circuit can operate, but functional completeness of Boolean logic cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit operationVSAvoidBoolean logic capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nanoparticle platform is designed as a universal hardware foundation that can support multiple logic operations. By programming the same physical system with different DNA instruction sets, the system can implement any Boolean logic function, achieving functional completeness through software versatility rather than hardware specialization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The NVNA facilitates reversible operations, enabling programmable and resettable computing with functionally complete Boolean logic, improving modularity and scalability in molecular computing.

Implementation Method 1

a nanoparticle memory including a first molecule bound so as to store a molecular input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular binding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a nanoparticle reporter including a second molecule bound so as to generate an output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular binding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

The instruction molecule may include at least one of a trap DNA that binds the nanoparticle floater to the nanoparticle memory and a report DNA that binds the nanoparticle floater to the nanoparticle reporter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDNA hybridization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12585962B2Nano computing device and method of operating nano computing device

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION

AI summary

A nano computing device includes: a nanoparticle memory including a first molecule bound so as to store a molecular input; a nanoparticle reporter including a second molecule bound so as to generate an output; and a nanoparticle floater including at least two third molecules and fourth molecules so as to be bound to one of the nanoparticle memory and the nanoparticle reporter based on the molecular input and an instruction molecule.