Researchers from North Carolina State University and Johns Hopkins University have unveiled a groundbreaking technology that combines data storage and computing functions using DNA. This innovation, detailed in the paper “A Primordial DNA Store and Compute Engine” published in *Nature Nanotechnology*, marks the first time a single DNA-based system has successfully performed the full range of operations traditionally handled by electronic devices.
The new technology addresses a key challenge in DNA computing: the ability to store, retrieve, compute, erase, and rewrite data all within a single system. Traditionally, these functions have been performed separately in electronic computing, but integrating them into DNA technology has proven difficult. The breakthrough is made possible by recent advances in creating unique soft polymer materials known as dendricolloids, which provide a high surface area for DNA storage without compromising data density.
Albert Keung, a project leader and professor at NC State, emphasizes that while electronic computing benefits from the compatibility of its components, DNA computing has struggled with integrating data handling and processing. The dendricolloid structures developed allow for efficient DNA storage and manipulation. According to Keung, “You could fit a thousand laptops’ worth of data into DNA storage the size of a pencil eraser.”
The technology also includes the ability to copy, erase, and rewrite DNA information, akin to functions performed by electronic hard drives. This capability is enhanced by the dendricolloidal material, which helps preserve the DNA and supports a range of computing tasks. The researchers demonstrated the system’s functionality by solving simple sudoku and chess problems, showcasing its practical applications.
The team also incorporated the technology into microfluidic channels to direct nucleic acids and reagents, with contributions from various labs enhancing the system’s data reading and processing capabilities. The new DNA technology not only offers a compact and durable storage solution but also holds potential for long-term data security, with projections suggesting it could maintain data integrity for thousands of years.
“This development is a significant step forward in molecular computing, aiming to inspire further advancements in the field,” says Keung. The team is hopeful that their work will pave the way for more practical applications and innovations in DNA-based computing.
