New DNA computer assesses water quality

Northwestern University synthetic biologists have developed a low-cost, easy-to-use, hand-held device that can let users know in minutes if their water is safe.

The new device works using powerful and programmable genetic networks that mimic electronic circuits to perform a range of logic functions.

Among DNA-based circuits, for example, the researchers converted cell-free molecules into an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a type of ubiquitous circuit found in nearly all electronic devices. In the water quality device, the ADC circuit processes an analog input (contaminants) and produces a digital output (a visual signal to inform the user).
The research will be published Feb. 17 in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.
Equipped with a set of eight small test tubes, the device glows green when it detects a contaminant. The number of glowing tubes depends on how much contamination there is. If only one tube glows, there is trace contamination in the water sample. But if all eight tubes are glowing, the water is seriously contaminated. In other words, higher impurity concentration leads to a higher signal.
"New DNA computer assesses water quality: Genetic networks mimic electronic circuits to perform a range of logic functions." Everyday Science. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220217122339.htm

NorthwesternU Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAQCnDHzqaE
*contamination: Contamination is the presence of a component, impurity or other undesirable element that degrades or infects the physical body, natural environment, workplace or a material.