Molecular computing method uses metal ions to mimic complex mathematical functions

Researchers at the University of Twente have developed a new method that allows them to precisely control chemical reactions using metal ions. This marks an important step toward computers that function like the human brain. They recently published their findings in Nature Communications.

All living things can respond to their environment through a sequence of complex chemical reactions. This form of information processing requires far less energy than that of digital computers. As a result, the underlying processes are fundamentally different. For decades, researchers have been searching for a way to recreate nature’s information processing using molecules.

In this study, researchers from the University of Twente succeeded in imitating complex mathematical functions with metal ions. This included polynomials like linear equations and parabolas, as well as logical Boolean functions that produce different outcomes based on the input.

The researchers were able to program the chemical reactions to not only respond to current conditions, but also “remember” previous events. “We have found a possible building block for intelligent systems,” says researcher Albert Wong. Using metal ions, the researchers controlled the rate of autocatalytic reactions. These are chemical reactions that accelerate themselves.

They applied this technique to convert the molecule trypsinogen to trypsin. By adding a substance that can slow down this conversion, the researchers created a system that can linger in two states. This allows the system to temporarily store information, giving it a form of memory.

The discovery opens up new possibilities for programming simple chemical networks for applications in artificial intelligence and smart materials. The research could also have a major impact on other scientific fields, such as nanobiotechnology and research into the chemical origins of life.