Networked Multicomponent Ensemble as AND Gate with FRET Output.

A networked supramolecular logic AND gate system is accomplished using precise chemical communication within a multicomponent ensemble via metal ion‐driven self‐sorting processes. The cybernetic AND gate is composed of a copper(I)‐loaded nanoswitch, an aza‐crown ether and a rhodamine receptor. The modus operandi of the AND gate, from state (0,0), was induced with stoichiometric amounts of two inputs (<bold>IN‐1</bold>=Hg2+, <bold>IN‐2</bold>=Li+) generating copper(I) ions as output only in state (1,1). Generation of state (1,1) from state (0,0) involves selective Cu+ ion translocation from the nanoswitch to the aza‐crown ether in the first step (<bold>IN‐1</bold>) and then from the aza‐crown ether to the rhodamine receptor in the second step (<bold>IN‐2</bold>). The released copper(I) output acts as a messenger that binds to the rhodamine receptor, triggering it's spiro‐lactam ring opening, which leads to a diagnostic FRET emission from the copper(I)‐loaded rhodamine scaffold accompanied by a remarkable fluorescence and colour change from pale yellow to pink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]