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. 2023 Oct 21;145(46):25033–25042. doi: 10.1021/jacs.3c04142

Figure 3.

Figure 3

(A) Cascading DNA strand displacement (DSD) logic gates: Each single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) input requires a DSD unit that acts as a logic gate, ready to accept the input toehold and release the reporter strand to form the next logic gate for subsequent inputs. The input 2 stage requires the input 1 reporter to signal the completion of the input 1 detection in preparation for the input 2 toehold. By designing more stages to form a cascading repeat circuit, the circuit can accept multiple inputs. (B) Multi-input DSD logic gate: For the same logic operation, only a single assembly of double-stranded DNA with a toehold region corresponding to the ssDNA input is required. Since intermediate reporting strand is eliminated, fewer unique toehold sequences are required, and therefore a simpler toehold design. Multi-input DSD logic gates generate less DNA waste than cascading DSD. (C) The wasted DNA byproducts of DSD can create unwanted pathways, releasing intermediate signals or output reporters. Multi-input DSD produces less waste DNA than cascading DSD.