Illuminating Diverse Concomitant DNA Logic Gates and Concatenated Circuits with Hairpin DNA-Templated Silver Nanoclusters as Universal Dual-Output Generators

Exquisite administration of a new type of hairpin DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (H-AgNCs) as universal dual-output generators in DNA-based logic systems is reported. Diverse concomitant contrary logic gates (CCLGs) with opposite functions ((YESNOT)-N-<^>, (ORNOR)-N-<^>, INHIBIT(<^>)IMPLICATION, (XORXNOR)-X-<^>, and MAJORITY(<^>)MINORITY) and extended concatenated logic circuits are presented and some of them perform specific functions, such as parity generators and checkers. The introduction of H-AgNCs as noncovalent signal reporters avoids tedious and high-cost labeling procedures. Of note, the concomitant feature of CCLGs attributed to the dual-emitter AgNCs conduces to reducing the time and cost to devise multiple logic gates. As compared to previous ones, this design eliminates numerous substances (e.g., organic dyes) and unstable components (hydrogen peroxide), which not only decreases the complexity of logic performs and improves repeatability of operation, but also makes it convenient to connect distinct DNA-based logic gates. It is worthy to anticipate that the cost-effective strategy will inspire researchers to develop much more complex logic systems and contribute to the field of molecular computing.