DNA framework–based molecular transformer for logic-driven precision diagnostics
Abstract
Precision diagnostics requires logical integration of diverse biomarker information, but molecular heterogeneity and inconsistent identification kinetics hinder robust logic analysis. To overcome this, we develop a universal molecular transformer using DNA tetrahedral frameworks (DTFs) as programmable scaffolds. This system converts diverse biomarkers including proteins and variable-length nucleic acids into uniform 22-nucleotide DNA sequences, normalizing information dimensionality and identification kinetics. These uniform sequences serve as inputs for three fundamentals Boolean logic gates (AND, OR, and INHIBIT), enabling programmable molecular decision-making. Integrated on a gold-chip platform, the DTF transformer and logic system achieved statistically significant discrimination ( P < 0.0001) among patients with prostate cancer, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and healthy individuals using only two biomarkers (prostate-specific antigen and ALU115). By unifying signal transformation for Boolean logic computation, we resolve the critical challenges in molecular heterogeneity and establish a versatile platform for next-generation precision diagnostics.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
DNA and Biological Computing
Fractal and DNA sequence analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Science Advances
- Publisher
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- eaeb5612–eaeb5612
- Publication date
- 25 February 2026
- Language
- EN