A Novel DNA-Based Dual-Mode Data Storage System with Interrelated Concise and Detailed Data

DNA has emerged as a promising storage medium to meet the soaring need for archival data storage because of its exceptional storage density and stability. However, current DNA-based data storage systems are incompetent of achieving high-quality random multiplexed access and frequently accessed data storage, which impedes its practical applications. Here, a dual-mode storage system is proposed that combines DNA-based archival data and nanodot-based active data. This novel data-storage system is constructed by writing the active and archival data on the same substrate through a facile two-step process involving scanning probe lithography (SPL), DNA synthesis, and chemical immobilization. The data files are categorized and stored orderly in different microregions of the substrate to achieve efficient random access. On each microregion, the nanodot array stores not only the concise information for the archival DNA data but also contains the corresponding primer sequence. Such interrelation between active and archival data allows for facilely data reading by efficient microscopic modalities and in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Facilitated by the integration of nanodot and DNA, this novel dual-mode storage system demonstrates efficient data access and the potential of excellent storing capacity, paving the way for the advancement of DNA-based data storage.