A Reconfigurable, Dual-Output INHIBIT and IMPLICATION Molecular Logic Gate

Abstract

Molecules that respond to input stimulations to produce detectable outputs can be exploited to mimic Boolean logic operators and reproduce basic arithmetic functions. We have designed a two-state fluorescent probe with tunable emission wavelength for the construction of a molecular logic gate with reconfigurable single-or dual-output capability. The system is based on a BODIPY skeleton coupled with 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde. The behavior of the molecular logic gate can be easily investigated in solution with fluorescence spectroscopy, and the optical readout (fluorescence) can be monitored in one (green) or two (green and red) channels. Depending on the solvent of choice, single INHIBIT or dual INHIBIT/IMPLY logic functions can be achieved using chemical inputs (acid and base). Reconfiguration from single-to dual-output is thus made possible by operating the system in acetonitrile (single output) or toluene (dual output), respectively. The logic gate can be switched by manipulating the fluorescence emission via protonation or deprotonation, even when immobilized onto a glass substrate. At the solid state, the resulting output can be stored for extended periods of time. This feature provides two added benefits: (i) memory function and (ii) "set/reset" capability of the logic gate. Our design thus provides a proof-of-concept interface between the molecular and electronic domains.

Orthogonal binding and displacement of different guest types using a coordination cage host with cavity-based and surface-based binding sites

“…We note that there is an interesting conceptual parallel to be drawn between the ‘dual-input, dual-output’ nature of this cage-based analytical system, and molecular logic gates 19 in which different combinations of chemical stimuli provide the inputs which control the luminescence output ( e.g. p H and solvent; 20 p O 2 and metal ion concentration; 21 p H and p O 2 ). 22 …”

A Dual pH‐ and Light‐Responsive Spiropyran‐Based Surfactant: Investigations on Its Switching Behavior and Remote Control over Emulsion Stability

“…[33] An additional light-responsivity of the system could hereby add or enhance temporal and spatial control of cargo release. [34,35] Providing a stimuli-specific output as a result of a combination of different inputs, moreover, renders a dual-responsive surfactant a suitable molecular logic gate, [35][36][37] which has gained interest in (bio-) sensing and other applications. [38] A suitable dual-responsive moiety is spiropyran, which is able to reversibly ring-open from its spiropyran (SP)-to the zwitterionic merocyanine (MC) form as a response to either pH-or photo-activation.…”

“…An additional light‐responsivity of the system could hereby add or enhance temporal and spatial control of cargo release [34, 35] . Providing a stimuli‐specific output as a result of a combination of different inputs, moreover, renders a dual‐responsive surfactant a suitable molecular logic gate, [35–37] which has gained interest in (bio‐) sensing and other applications [38] …”

Ein dual‐responsives pH‐ und lichtschaltbares Tensid mit einer Spiropyran‐Einheit: Untersuchungen zum Schaltmechanismus und Anwendung zur Steuerung von Emulsionsstabilitäten

“…Ein zusätzliches lichtresponsives Verhalten kann hierbei die zeitliche und örtliche Kontrolle der Wirkstofffreigabe verstärken [34, 35] . Auf Grund ihrer Eigenschaft, zwei verschiedene Eingaben zu einer stimuli‐spezifischen Ausgabe zu verknüpfen, stellen dual‐responsive Verbindungen außerdem geeignete molekulare Logikgatter dar, [35–37] die auf den Gebieten der (Bio‐)Sensorik oder anderen Anwendungsfeldern interessant sind [38] …”

“…Ein zusätzliches lichtresponsives Verhalten kann hierbei die zeitliche und örtliche Kontrolle der Wirkstofffreigabe verstärken. [34,35] Auf Grund ihrer Eigenschaft, zwei verschiedene Eingaben zu einer stimuli-spezifischen Ausgabe zu verknüpfen, stellen dual-responsive Verbindungen außerdem geeignete molekulare Logikgatter dar, [35][36][37] die auf den Gebieten der (Bio-)Sensorik oder anderen Anwendungsfeldern interessant sind. [38] Eine Literaturbekannte Beispiele für solche Moleküle beschreiben Architekturen, in denen die responsive Einheit die Kopfgruppe des Tensids darstellt [41,42] oder die SP-Einheit als zusätzlicher Terminus in ω-Position des Moleküls [43][44][45][46] eingeführt wurde (wobei letztgenannte auch Moleküle mit geringer Oberflächenaktivität mit einer kurzen Alkylverbindungskette C 3 bis C 6 [44][45][46] einschließen).…”