Programmable DNA assembly for realizing multiplexer and de-multiplexer logic operations

Abstract Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has emerged as a powerful material for constructing nanoscale computational systems due to its structural predictability, biocompatibility, and programmability. Among recent advances, DNA algorithmic lattices formed through tile-based self-assembly offer a bottom-up approach to molecular computation. Here, we present a modular design and experimental realization of multiplexer (MUX) and de-MUX (DEMUX) logic gates using M-input N-output rules encoded in DNA tile sets. We constructed DNA algorithmic lattices implementing 1-, 2-, and 3-input logic functions by designing tile sets with engineered sticky ends. Boolean operations such as NOT and AND were integrated within MUX circuits, while DEMUX behavior was achieved using 2-input 2-output logic rules. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the successful formation of algorithmic patterns corresponding to expected logical outputs with minimal error rates. Quantitative analysis revealed fewer than 3% average errors in the MUX lattice and approximately 8% in the DEMUX lattice. This work highlights the potential of using programmable DNA tiles to implement universal logic circuits and expand the toolkit of DNA-based molecular computing.