Toward Portable DNA Data Storage: A Paper-Based System for Rewritable and Random Access

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Data Storage
• Materials Science

Background:

• DNA offers high-density, long-term data archival potential.
• Current DNA data storage methods face challenges in portability and random data access.
• Existing techniques often require specialized, bulky laboratory equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, portable platform for DNA data storage using cellulose paper.
• To enable random access to DNA data stored on cellulose paper at room temperature.
• To demonstrate the reusability of the cellulose paper platform for repeated data writing and reading.

Main Methods:

• Immobilizing DNA pools containing distinct files onto cellulose paper sheets.
• Assigning physical addresses to DNA locations for array preservation and random access.
• Utilizing a constant-temperature amplification reaction for in situ random data access.
• Employing the magnetic bead method for DNA pool recovery and repeated data operations.

Main Results:

• Successful immobilization and preservation of DNA data on cellulose paper.
• Achieved in situ random data access at room temperature, eliminating the need for thermocyclers.
• Demonstrated successful recovery of the original DNA pool using magnetic beads.
• Enabled three cycles of data writing and reading on the cellulose paper surface.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose paper is a viable, low-cost medium for practical and portable DNA data archiving.
• The developed method overcomes limitations of portability and random access in DNA data storage.
• This approach presents a promising solution for massive data storage challenges.