Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
CONCLUSIONS
Heretofore unknown mechanisms that living cells use to process multiple sen-
sory signals from the environment, as well as other cells, are yielding to molec-
ular investigation. As knowledge on these mechanisms is accumulated, it is
possible to synthesize via genetic engineering chimeras capable of directed
information processing with electronic hybrid functionality. Such chimeras are
natural complements to man-made information processing systems and are the
basis for a new generation of microscale and nanoscale sensors, machines, and
computational systems.
The simple one gene or one enzyme yielding one response paradigm that
cells use in information processing has given way to a vision of biocomplexity
that was unappreciated until recently. However, it is clear that this complexity is
not unmanageable. The complexity demonstrated by higher ordered eukaryotic
cells can be readily mimicked in lower eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, which
may provide robust components in nano- and microscale devices of the future.
Systematic attempts to model cellular functions at the level of metabolism,
gene expression, and signal transduction have provided insight into fruitful
paths of experimentation to create microorganisms that carry out rudimentary
information processing among cells, with bidirectional communication with a
synthetic information-processing system. It appears that direct communication
with the cells to initiate signal recognition events and information processing is
at hand. The combination of these two states realizes hybrid devices capable of
environmental awareness with decision-making ability to respond to or control
that immediate environment.
The eventual application for these devices must arise from the natural ad-
vantages of information processing within whole cells, while minimizing the
disadvantages associated with living device components. High-speed computa-
tion will not be the strong suit of these devices. However, analysis, actuation, and
control of highly complex situations and environments with time constants sim-
ilar to those of the cell's reaction-diffusion signal transport may be well served
by these hybrid devices. Applications may include therapeutic drug discovery;
biomedical devices for disease diagnosis, treatment, or long-term management;
industrial chemical process control; environmental monitoring and control; and
management of closed environments, such as long-term, manned space flight
compartments.
An application not to be overlooked is in the fundamental science of un-
ravelling natural biological complexity. There is a growing shift in emphasis
away from purely reductionistic approaches toward more integrative “cells as
systems” approaches [79]. At least initially, this fundamental science and the
device science will travel parallel and synergistic paths. Looking to the future,
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