Molecular logic operations based on surfactant nanoaggregates

Two molecular logic gates, FS1 and FS2, which display a UV and fluorescence behavior that is dependent on the pH value and the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant concentration, are demonstrated based on the intramolecular charge-transfer mechanism. They are constructed according to the inorganic salts that induce transformation from premicelle to micelle. The absorption band of FS1 at 480 nm is significantly enhanced only when both SDS and Na ₂SO₄ are the input at high concentrations, in accordance with an AND logic gate. The OR logic function can be realized in a 3.5 mM SDS/FS2 aqueous solution with SDS and Na₂SO₄ as inputs along with the emission intensity as output. Furthermore, half addition and half subtraction can be incorporated in FS1. This is facilitated by the surfactant due to its versatility.