DNA-based technology integrates data storage and computing

This innovation marks a breakthrough in molecular computing, combining the ability to store, retrieve, erase, and rewrite data with computational operations, a challenge that had previously limited DNA-based technologies.

DNA storage has long been seen as a promising alternative to traditional electronic data storage as it has the capacity to hold vast amounts of information in an extremely compact form. For instance, a single gram of DNA can theoretically store around 215 petabytes of data. However, until now, technologies leveraging DNA for data storage were unable to integrate computing functions into the same system. This new development bridges that gap, paving the way for more practical applications of DNA-based data systems.

The key to this breakthrough lies in the development of a unique soft polymer material called a dendricolloid. This material forms a hierarchical structure, branching off into nanoscale fibres. According to Orlin Velev, co-corresponding author of the research, this network of fibres has a high surface area that allows DNA to be deposited without losing its data storage density. This design ensures the system remains compact while enhancing functionality.                                                                                                                

By incorporating the DNA into these nanoscale structures, the team demonstrated the ability to store and manipulate information, much like how traditional computers process data. The system can copy data directly from the surface, erase specific pieces of information, and rewrite new data without damaging the DNA. This range of operations is a significant advancement, as previous DNA-based systems were limited to storage-only functions.

The technology has been tested to solve basic computational problems, including sudoku puzzles and chess problems, proving its potential to handle practical tasks. Moreover, initial testing indicates that the DNA stored in this system could remain intact for thousands of years, making it a reliable option for long-term data storage.

One of the most notable features of this technology is its cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication. The dendricolloidal material is relatively inexpensive and can be produced with readily available resources, making it a feasible option for wider adoption. The potential for commercialisation is already being explored, with the involvement of DNAli Data Technologies, a company co-founded by members of the research team, to bring this technology to market.

This innovation could have profound implications across various sectors, particularly for applications requiring secure, long-term data storage. Industries that rely heavily on data retention, such as healthcare, finance, and government, may benefit from DNA-based storage as an alternative to electronic systems that are more prone to degradation and data loss over time.

This breakthrough, which represents a major leap in the field of molecular computing, could eventually inspire the development of more complex DNA-based systems. As co-author Albert Keung notes, the team hopes this work will inspire the future of molecular computing, much like the early electronic computers such as ENIAC spurred the digital revolution.

The research, funded by the National Science Foundation, was published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. The team included contributors from NC State and Johns Hopkins University, as well as experts in nanopore sequencing and data conversion algorithms.

By demonstrating the full integration of data storage and computing in a single DNA-based system, this project opens up new possibilities for the future of data management and computation, offering a sustainable, long-lasting alternative to conventional electronics.