How close are we to storing data in DNA?

Joao Henrique Diniz Brandao Gervasio; Henrique da Costa Oliveira; Andre Guilherme da Costa Martins; Joao Bosco Pesquero; Bruno Marinaro Verona; Natalia Neto Pereira Cerize

doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.08.001

How close are we to storing data in DNA?

Trends Biotechnol. 2024 Feb;42(2):156-167. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.08.001. Epub 2023 Sep 4.

Authors

Joao Henrique Diniz Brandao Gervasio¹, Henrique da Costa Oliveira², Andre Guilherme da Costa Martins², Joao Bosco Pesquero³, Bruno Marinaro Verona², Natalia Neto Pereira Cerize²

Affiliations

¹ Bionanomanufacturing Center, IPT - Institute for Technological Research, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Bioinformatics, UFMG - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Electronic address: joaodgervasio@ufmg.br.
² Bionanomanufacturing Center, IPT - Institute for Technological Research, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
³ Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

PMID: 37673693
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.08.001

Abstract

DNA is an intelligent data storage medium due to its stability and high density. It has been used by nature for over 3.5 billion years. Compared with traditional methods, DNA offers better compression and physical density. DNA can retain information for thousands of years. However, challenges exist in scalability, standardization, metadata gathering, biocybersecurity, and specialized tools. Addressing these challenges is crucial for widespread implementation. Collaboration among experts, as well as keeping the future in mind, is needed to unlock the full potential of DNA data storage, which promises low energy costs, high-density storage, and long-term stability.

Keywords: DNA data storage; glacial storage; metadata; paleodata; retrieval protocols.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

DNA* / genetics
Information Storage and Retrieval*

Substances

DNA