Stabilizing synthetic DNA for long-term data storage with earth alkaline salts

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Materials Science
• Data Storage Technologies

Background:

• DNA is a promising molecule for long-term data storage due to its high density.
• The stability of dried DNA under accelerated aging conditions is crucial for practical applications.
• Salt formulations can significantly impact the preservation of biological molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the stabilizing effects of various salt formulations on solid-state DNA during rapid aging.
• To assess the feasibility of a DNA-based digital information storage system using a stabilizing salt.

Main Methods:

• Solid-state DNA samples with different salt formulations were subjected to rapid aging tests (70 °C, 50% Relative Humidity).
• High DNA loadings (>20 wt%) were used to simulate practical storage scenarios.
• A DNA digital information storage system was constructed using magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) for stabilization.
• A DNA file encoding 115 kB of digital data was stored and subsequently retrieved using sequencing after accelerated aging.

Main Results:

• Calcium phosphate, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride demonstrated strong stabilizing effects on DNA.
• These stabilizing effects were observed even at high DNA loadings.
• The DNA-based digital storage system utilizing MgCl₂ successfully retained and allowed for the readout of 115 kB of digital data after accelerated aging.

Conclusions:

• Specific salt formulations, particularly calcium phosphate, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride, significantly enhance the stability of solid-state DNA under accelerated aging conditions.
• DNA-based digital information storage is a viable technology, with demonstrated successful data retrieval after stress testing.
• The use of stabilizing salts like MgCl₂ is critical for the long-term preservation and accessibility of DNA data storage systems.