Development of biometric DNA ink for authentication security

Area of Science:

• Biometrics
• Forensic Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• DNA offers the most reliable biometric personal identification due to its digital and immutable nature.
• Enhancing discrimination power in DNA identification involves examining an increased number of DNA loci.
• Existing biometric systems may lack the inherent security and permanence of DNA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel DNA ink for secure and permanent personal identification.
• To create a privacy-preserving method for encoding DNA-based identification data.
• To assess the stability and practical usability of DNA ink under various conditions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of single-stranded DNA fragments encoding personalized short tandem repeats (STRs).
• Development of a decimal DNA personal identification (DNA-ID) based on STR loci.
• Encryption of DNA-ID using a 160-bit hashing algorithm for privacy protection.
• Transformation of encrypted bits into base sequences and amplification via polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized and printed DNA fragments using DNA ink.
• Demonstrated successful detection of synthesized DNA after printing.
• DNA ink samples showed significant resistance to physical and environmental stress, including 40 hours of UV exposure.
• The ink's performance was comparable to established photogravure inks.

Conclusions:

• The developed DNA ink is a stable and practical solution for biometric identification.
• The encryption method ensures privacy and irreversibility of personal identification data.
• DNA ink represents a promising advancement in secure and durable personal identification technologies.