New bacteria-based biocomputer can solve complex problems with a fraction of resources
A team of international researchers led by scientists at McGill University has created a biocomputer that uses bacteria to perform calculations.
One important advantage of this system is that bacteria can explore many possible solutions at the same time. Because of this, the technology may require less memory and fewer resources than conventional computers when dealing with highly complex problems.
When people think about computers, they usually imagine electronic chips, processors, and circuits. However, scientists have now developed a different type of computing system that uses living bacteria instead of traditional hardware.
Scientists believe it could help solve certain problems that are difficult for ordinary computers.
How bacteria-based biocomputer can change the way computers solve problems
Traditional computers normally solve problems step by step. They test one possible solution and then move on to the next until the correct answer is found. As problems become more complicated, the time and computing power needed also increase. The bacteria-based biocomputer works differently. Instead of checking solutions one after another, it can examine several possibilities simultaneously.
To make this possible, scientists first convert a mathematical problem into a network of pathways. They then build tiny interconnected channels, known as microfluidic channels. Each pathway represents a possible solution.
As bacteria move through these channels, they travel along different routes and effectively test multiple options at the same time. Special junctions act as decision points and help guide the bacteria through the network.
One of the most interesting features of this technology is that bacterial growth naturally increases computing power. Bacteria reproduce very quickly, which means the number of biological processors grows over time. As new bacteria are produced, more computing units become available to participate in the process. Unlike traditional computers that often require hardware upgrades to improve performance, this system benefits from the bacteria's natural ability to multiply.
Researchers must also control bacterial growth to prevent it from becoming excessive. They do this by regulating the temperature of the system. By adjusting environmental conditions, scientists can manage how quickly the bacteria reproduce. Automated image-analysis tools are then used to track bacterial movement and identify the pathways that lead to the correct solution.
Millions of biological processors could boost computing power
According to the research team, the main strength of this approach is the ability of millions of biological processors to work together. Although a single bacterium is slower than an electronic processor, large numbers of bacteria can explore different possibilities in parallel. This could help reduce the time needed to solve certain complex problems.
"Modern electronic computers make millions of operations per second using one chip," said Dan Nicolau, senior author and professor of bioengineering. "With bacterial division, we have one million chips working at the same time. More chips mean you can resolve the problem faster, even if for each 'processor,' the number of operations per second is slower.
"The exponential division of bacteria can go to the size of the problem. It's an entirely new way of computing," he said.
Scientists believe the biocomputer may have applications in artificial intelligence, data encryption, and molecular biology. It could also help researchers study protein structures and other scientific challenges involving a huge number of possible combinations. These are areas where even powerful computers can struggle.
"Our way is tailored for problems that electronic computers are not designed to solve, such as mapping the structure of proteins," Nicolau said. "It was reported that AI figured this out, but this is only half-true, because it can only scan the available data. We propose this technology to solve problems, not estimate based on past information."
The researchers have made it clear that bacterial computers are not designed to replace traditional or quantum computers. Instead, they are intended to complement existing technologies and provide another way to tackle difficult computational challenges. Developed through nearly twenty years of international collaboration, this research highlights the growing potential of biological computing and its possible role in the future of technology.
The paper has been published in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering .
