Flow Cytometry Sorting for Random Access in DNA Data Storage: Encapsulation for Enhanced Stability and Sequence...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Information Technology

Background:

• Digital data is rapidly increasing, necessitating advanced storage solutions.
• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) offers high density, longevity, and replication capabilities for data storage.
• Existing DNA storage methods face challenges in data protection and random access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a technique for protecting and retrieving data stored in DNA.
• To enhance the stability and random readability of DNA data storage systems.
• To demonstrate an automated process for DNA data encapsulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing flow cytometry sorting (FCS) to segregate multicolored fluorescent DNA microparticles.
• Employing layer-by-layer self-assembly for encapsulating DNA microparticles.
• Developing a microfluidic chip for automated encapsulation.

Main Results:

• Successfully segregated multicolored fluorescent DNA microparticles encoded with data using FCS.
• Demonstrated that encapsulated DNA microparticles preserve structural and sequence integrity under harsh conditions.
• Confirmed successful data recovery from encapsulated DNA microparticles after de-encapsulation.
• Showcased an automated encapsulation process using a microfluidic chip.

Conclusions:

• The developed technique offers an innovative approach to long-term stability and random readability in DNA data storage.
• Encapsulated fluorescent DNA microparticles provide a robust medium for high-density DNA payload storage.
• Flow cytometry sorting facilitates efficient random access to data stored in DNA microparticles.