Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
5
Cells as Components in
Microscale and Nanoscale
Systems
Michael L. Simpson, Gary S. Sayler,
James T. Fleming, John Sanseverino,
and Chris D. Cox
Intact whole cells may be the ultimate functional molecular-scale machines, and
our ability to manipulate the genetic mechanisms that control these functions
is relatively advanced when compared to our ability to control the synthesis
and direct the assembly of man-made materials into systems of comparable
complexity and functional density. Although engineered whole cells deployed
in biosensor systems provide one of the practical successes of molecular-scale
devices, these devices explore only a small portion of the full functionality of the
cells. Individual or self-organized groups of cells exhibit extremely complex
functionality that includes sensing, communication, navigation, cooperation,
and even fabrication of synthetic nanoscopic materials. Adding this function-
ality to engineered systems provides motivation for deploying whole cells as
components in microscale and nanoscale devices. In this chapter we focus on
the device science of whole cell components in a way analogous to the device
physics of semiconductor components. We consider engineering the informa-
tion transport within and between cells, communication between cells and syn-
thetic devices, the integration of cells into nanostructured and microstructured
substrates to form highly functional systems, and modeling and simulation of
information processing in cells.
INTRODUCTION
Even a casual examination of the information processing density of prokaryotic
cells produces an appreciation for the advanced state of the cell's capabilities. A
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