Colloidal logic-gate circuits can process environmental signals and autonomously perform tasks

Abstract

Cooperative collective dynamics is a principal determinant of the ability of synthetic micromotors to perform specific functions. However, realizing controllable and predictable collective behavior in complex physiological environments remains a significant challenge. Here, we show that collections of enzyme-coated colloids can be designed as various chemical logic gates, which subsequently can be organized into functional logic circuits. These circuits take environmental information as input signals and process it to produce output chemical species needed to achieve specific goals. The chemical computation performed by the circuit endows the active colloidal system with the ability to sense its surroundings and autonomously coordinate its collective motion. The results of simulations of several examples are presented, where self-assembled colloidal circuits can identify invasive threats by their signals, produce and deliver chemicals to the targets to suppress their activity. The results of this work can aid in the design of experimental chemical logic circuits through micromotor self-assembly that autonomously respond to environmental cues to execute specific tasks.