The field of data storage and computing is constantly evolving, with researchers from NC State and Johns Hopkins unveiling a groundbreaking technology that utilizes DNA for these purposes. This innovative approach not only allows for storing and retrieving data but also enables computing and rewriting data, marking a significant advancement in molecular computing.
Traditionally, data storage and data processing have been separate components in electronic devices. However, this new technology merges these functions by using DNA as the storage medium. Albert Keung, the project leader and an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at NC State, explains that while DNA data storage has been useful for long-term storage, incorporating the full range of operations found in electronic devices has been a challenge. This new technology overcomes these limitations by demonstrating the viability of DNA-based technologies that encompass all necessary functions.
The key to this breakthrough lies in the development of dendricolloids, innovative polymer structures created by the researchers. These dendricolloids have a unique morphology that allows for high data density while preserving the DNA stored within them. Orlin Velev, the S. Frank and Doris Culberson Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State, highlights the high surface area of these structures, enabling the deposition of DNA among nanofibrils without compromising data density.
The practical implications of this technology are vast. Kevin Lin, the first author of the paper, emphasizes that the ability to distinguish DNA information from the nanofibers allows for functions similar to electronic devices. This includes copying, erasing, rewriting, and computing specific data files, all in a programmable and repeatable manner. Additionally, the researchers have demonstrated that the technology can securely store data for millennia without degradation.
Collaboration between various experts in the field has been crucial to the development of this technology. By combining expertise in polymer materials, microfluidic channels, nanopore sequencing, and algorithms, the researchers have created a comprehensive system capable of performing complex data storage and computing tasks.
Looking ahead, the researchers envision a future where this technology could revolutionize molecular computing. The ability to solve sudoku and chess problems using the „primordial DNA store and compute engine“ showcases the potential for practical applications. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication of the dendricolloidal host material make this technology accessible for widespread use.
In conclusion, the integration of DNA into data storage and computing represents a significant milestone in the field of molecular computing. The collaborative efforts of researchers from NC State and Johns Hopkins have paved the way for a new era of technology that promises to inspire further advancements in the field.