Mix-and-match engineered E. coli networks identify prime numbers, vowels and answer math questions

In this talk, I will discuss our recent efforts to design and build artificial neural network (ANN) like architectures using genetically engineered bacteria that can identify prime numbers, vowels and even determine the maximum number of pieces into which a pizza can be divided for a given number of straight cuts. The system follows a mix-and-match strategy, in which engineered bacteria selected from a library are co-cultured in different combinations to generate diverse ANN-like bacterial networks capable of answering a variety of computational and mathematical problems. Our experimental demonstration of these abstract computational capabilities in living E.coli may contribute to the advancement of microbial computing technologies and may enhance our understanding of the biochemical basis of computation.