Nanoparticle Computing Architecture for Programmable Resettable Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nanoparticle-driven molecular computing systems are limited by their inability to execute multiple programs without extensive redesign and are prone to irreversible structural changes, lacking a scalable and versatile computing architecture.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Nanoparticle-based Von Neumann Architecture (NVNA) on a lipid nanotablet (LNT) that separates hardware and software, allowing for modular logic circuit design and programmable, resettable computing through DNA strands, enabling multiple computational tasks without reassembling the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a nanoparticle-driven molecular computing system is designed to perform a single logic operation, then the logic circuit can be implemented with specific nanostructure configuration, but the system cannot execute multiple programs without extensive redesign and structural reconstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram execution capabilityVSAvoidredesign requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the nanoparticle logic circuit hardware from the DNA software program, allowing the hardware to remain fixed while the software can be changed to perform different logic operations. This segmentation enables multiple programs to execute on the same physical device without reconstructing the nanoparticle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nanoparticle logic circuit is designed as a universal hardware platform that can execute multiple different logic operations by changing the DNA program. The same physical nanoparticle configuration can perform various logic functions depending on the input DNA sequences, making the system multi-functional rather than single-purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If fuel molecules are consumed to drive a single logic operation in the nanoparticle computing system, then the computation can be completed, but irreversible structural changes occur in the nanostructures making re-operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputation executionVSAvoidreversibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system consumes fuel DNA molecules to drive logic operations, and the consumed fuel is discarded after use. The nanoparticle structure itself is not permanently altered in a way that prevents recovery of functionality, as the system can be reset by removing reaction products and adding fresh fuel, allowing repeated operations on the same device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The information is stored in DNA molecules that can be replicated and replenished. When fuel is consumed, new DNA sequences can be introduced to restore the system's computational capability without permanently damaging the nanoparticle hardware, enabling multiple computation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If the nanostructure function is defined with the structure of the function, then the logic circuit can be implemented, but scaling up computing power becomes challenging and almost impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogic circuit implementationVSAvoidcomputing power scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical reconfiguration of nanoparticle structures with molecular biology techniques. DNA strands can be synthesized, introduced, and manipulated through solution-phase chemistry, allowing program updates without physical reconstruction of the nanoparticle device. This substitution enables scaling through molecular rather than mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables scalable, programmable, and resettable computing architecture, facilitating multiple logical operations on a single chip with improved modularity and versatility, overcoming the limitations of fixed logic circuits and irreversible changes.

Implementation Method 1

programmed with a combination of instruction DNAs coding a nanoparticle neural network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDNA hybridization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

mobility of the nanoparticle is controlled by the number of biotin-streptavidin-biotin links between the nanoparticle and the SLB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiotin-streptavidin binding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3920107B1NANO computing device and method of operating NANO computing device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION
  • EP3920107B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3920107B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3920107B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.