Time Resolved DNA Barcodes for Information Encoding and Dynamic Encryption

The rapid expansion of the information era necessitates molecular information encoding systems that simultaneously offer high capacity and robust security. DNA, characterized by its ultra-high information density, outstanding chemical stability, and inherent programmability, stands out as a promising medium for molecular data storage. Nevertheless, traditional DNA sequence-based information encoding strategy remains intrinsically static, restricting real-time and dynamic manipulation of stored information, and thereby limiting its practical utility in adaptive data processing and dynamic encryption. To overcome these limitations, we present a programmable data encoding and dynamic encryption platform leveraging DNA Temporal Barcodes (DTBs). DTBs consist of DNA strands designed with distinct retention times during high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation. Through systematic programming of chemical modifications and DNA sequences, we constructed a versatile DTB library capable of encoding a broad diversity of information states. HPLC, while providing time-resolved readout for DTBs, also allows for their efficient recovery and subsequent reuse in information encoding. Notably, to further reinforce data security, we introduce a key-triggered DNA ligation mechanism that generates reconfigurable DTBs, facilitating dynamic encryption at the molecular level. This work establishes a versatile strategy for constructing programmable, high-capacity, and dynamically adaptable molecular information security systems.