Computational Frameworks, System-Level Platforms, and Emerging Trends in DNA Data Storage

DNA storage has emerged as a promising approach for long-term digital information preservation owing to its ultrahigh storage density, long-term stability, and potential for passive long-term preservation without continuous electrical power under appropriate storage conditions. Recent advances in DNA synthesis, sequencing, and molecular manipulation technologies have accelerated the development of the field, broadening the scope of research from sequence-based encoding to biochemical channel modeling, system implementation, structured DNA storage, and information management. However, existing studies are often focused on individual components of DNA storage systems, and the relationships among these components remain insufficiently characterized from a computational and system-level perspective. This structured narrative review examines selected representative studies based on their technical importance and relevance to a computational and system-level analytical framework for DNA storage. We first outline the development of sequence-based and non-sequence-based DNA storage technologies, highlighting the expansion of information representation beyond nucleotide sequences to encompass multidimensional molecular structures and states. We then examine representative computational tools and system-level platforms, including coding toolchains, biochemical channel modeling, automated storage platforms, and user-oriented information management systems. We present an analytical framework comprising 5 interconnected functional layers: information representation, encoding and decoding, biochemical channel, system implementation, and access and management. Using this framework, we analyze the relationships among existing technologies, current technical challenges, and emerging research directions. DNA storage is evolving from a high-density storage technology toward an integrated molecular information system that supports information representation, storage, retrieval, and management. Further progress will require coordinated advances in multidimensional information representation, content-based querying, cross-layer system optimization, and interdisciplinary research to support the development of practical DNA-based information systems.