Mobile and Self-Sustained Data Storage in an Extremophile Genomic DNA

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Genomics
• Data Storage

Background:

• DNA oligonucleotide pools enable large-scale data storage but require frequent replenishment and specialized facilities.
• Existing DNA data storage methods are primarily for archival purposes and not suitable for frequent access or field deployment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mobile DNA data storage system capable of dynamic data maintenance and retrieval in non-laboratory environments.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of integrating synthetic DNA into a bacterial genome for robust data storage and access.

Main Methods:

• Development of a genetic toolbox for integrating 10-100 kb synthetic DNA into the Halomonas bluephagenesis genome.
• Implementation of an error correction coding scheme for noisy nanopore sequencing reads.
• Demonstration of storage and retrieval of 5 KB data under non-laboratory conditions.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of synthetic DNA into the H. bluephagenesis genome for data storage.
• Demonstrated dual-mode storage, dynamic data maintenance, rapid readout, and robust data recovery.
• Achieved storage and repeated retrieval of 5 KB data outside of professional facilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed system enables mobile DNA data storage, suitable for domestic and field scenarios.
• This research expands the application of DNA data storage from archival to frequently accessed data.
• The system showcases the potential of extremophile bacteria for robust and accessible biological data storage.