Sequence-Defined Oligourethane Isomeric Mixtures for Irreversible Encryption

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Molecular Cryptography
• Information Security

Background:

• Sequence-defined polymers (SDPs) are explored for data storage and encryption.
• Current methods rely on complex synthesis (e.g., longer chains, diverse monomers).
• Need for simpler, more secure molecular encryption strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a novel encryption mechanism using isomeric mixtures of sequence-defined oligourethanes (SDOs).
• Demonstrate an intrinsically one-way, irreversible molecular encryption process.
• Develop a scalable platform for next-generation data security and anti-counterfeiting.

Main Methods:

• Utilized isomeric mixtures of sequence-defined oligourethanes (SDOs).
• Employed MALDI-TOF MS to demonstrate concealed compositional identity due to identical molecular weights.
• Applied tandem MS/MS fragmentation to generate degenerate decoding paths.
• Integrated mixtures into CMYK molecular digital inks for printing and transmission.

Main Results:

• Isomeric SDO mixtures collapse into a single peak in MALDI-TOF MS, hiding composition.
• Tandem MS fragmentation produces multiple, non-unique decoding pathways, preventing reconstruction.
• Proof-of-concept with four octameric isomers demonstrated the encryption principle.
• Successful integration into CMYK inks for secure information transmission.

Conclusions:

• Isomeric oligomer mixtures represent a new class of molecular cryptographic media.
• The method offers intrinsically one-way, irreversible molecular encryption.
• This approach bridges chemical design with information theory for advanced data security.