DNA Chips: A Cutting-Edge Solution for Storing Massive Amounts of Data

In recent years, scientists have turned their attention to DNA as a potential groundbreaking data storage medium, owing to its remarkable capacity to house vast amounts of information within an exceptionally compact space.

Nature itself exemplifies the efficiency of data storage within DNA. Researchers at the Chair of Bioinformatics at Würzburg have embarked on the development of DNA chips specifically designed for the realm of computer technology.

DNA, the fundamental hereditary molecule, is celebrated for its prowess in preserving extensive data over extended periods within minuscule confines. Over the past decade, scientists have been diligently working towards the creation of DNA chips tailored for computer technology, particularly for the enduring archival of data. These DNA chips exhibit superiority over conventional silicon-based counterparts in terms of storage density, longevity, and environmental sustainability.

DNA strands are composed of four recurring basic building blocks. By utilizing a specific sequence of these building blocks, information can be encoded in a manner akin to nature’s own processes. The construction of a DNA chip entails the synthesis and stabilization of DNA coded accordingly. When executed successfully, this method ensures the preservation of information for an exceptionally long duration, with researchers positing preservation timescales in the range of several millennia. Retrieving the stored data is achieved through the automated reading and decoding of the sequence of these four basic building blocks.

The method involves storing information in the form of DNA on chips constructed from semiconducting nanocellulose. These chips employ light-controlled proteins for data retrieval.

However, challenges persist in the field of DNA data storage. Although the feasibility of high-capacity, long-lasting digital DNA data storage has been demonstrated, the associated costs remain prohibitive, nearing approximately 400,000 US dollars per megabyte. Furthermore, the process of retrieving information from DNA is time-consuming, requiring hours to days, depending on the volume of data.

Addressing these challenges is imperative to render DNA data storage more practical and commercially viable. Key tools in this endeavor encompass light-controlled enzymes and software for designing protein networks. Professor Thomas Dandekar, who heads the Chair of Bioinformatics at Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg, along with team members Aman Akash and Elena Bencurova, elaborates on these aspects in a recent review published in the journal Trends in Biotechnology.

Dandekar’s team is optimistic about DNA’s potential as a data repository. In their publication, they outline how a synergy of molecular biology, nanotechnology, novel polymers, electronics, and automation, coupled with systematic development, could make DNA data storage a practical reality within a few years.

In a pioneering approach, Dandekar’s team at the JMU Biocentre is crafting DNA chips from semiconducting nanocellulose produced by bacteria. Professor Dandekar notes that this proof of concept showcases the possibility of partially replacing current electronics and computer technology with molecular biological components. Such an approach could usher in sustainability, complete recyclability, robustness against electromagnetic interference, and power failures, along with an astonishing storage density of up to one billion gigabytes per gram of DNA.

Professor Dandekar underscores the significance of DNA chip development, asserting that the sustainability of civilization in the long term hinges on embracing this novel form of sustainable computer technology, which melds molecular biology with electronics and advanced polymer technology.

For humanity, transitioning to a circular economy in harmony with ecological boundaries and the environment is of paramount importance, and this shift must occur within the next two to three decades. Chip technology serves as a pivotal example in this endeavor, albeit the pursuit of sustainable chip production technologies that mitigate electronic waste and environmental pollution is still in its infancy. The nanocellulose chip concept devised by Professor Dandekar’s team presents a substantial stride toward this goal. In their latest paper, the team critically evaluates their concept and enhances it with cutting-edge innovations from the realm of research.

The future work of Dandekar’s team centers on refining the integration of DNA chips constructed from semiconducting nanocellulose with their designer enzymes. This endeavor aims to achieve greater control over the DNA storage medium, enabling increased data storage capacity while reducing costs, ultimately paving the way for practical everyday use as a data storage medium.

Reference: “How to make DNA data storage more applicable” by Aman Akash, Elena Bencurova, and Thomas Dandekar, published on 15th August 2023, in Trends in Biotechnology (DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.07.006).

This work receives financial support from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Free State of Bavaria, with essential collaborative partnerships with Sergey Shityakov, a professor at the State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics, and Optics (ITMO) in Saint Petersburg, Daniel Lopez, PhD, from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, and Dr. Günter Roth from the University of Freiburg and BioCopy GmbH (Emmendingen).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DNA Data Storage

More about DNA Data Storage

• Trends in Biotechnology: The journal where the review “How to make DNA data storage more applicable” by Aman Akash, Elena Bencurova, and Thomas Dandekar was published.
• Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg: The academic institution where Professor Thomas Dandekar heads the Chair of Bioinformatics.
• Circular Economy: Information about the concept of a circular economy, which emphasizes sustainability and minimizing waste.
• German Research Foundation (DFG): The organization providing financial support for this research.
• State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO): The institution where Sergey Shityakov, a collaborator on this research, is a professor.
• Universidad Autonoma de Madrid: The university where Daniel Lopez, PhD, from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, is involved in collaborative efforts.
• University of Freiburg: The academic institution associated with Dr. Günter Roth, a key contributor to this research.
• BioCopy GmbH: The company BioCopy GmbH, which is mentioned as a collaborator in this research.