Blockchain Genomic Data Storage and Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and distributing genomic information are limited, leading to monopolization by specific parties, restricted access for researchers, and inefficiencies in security and profit distribution, with existing storage methods being costly and environmentally burdensome.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-based system for storing and authenticating genomic information, using artificial nucleic acid sequences for secure and reliable distribution, ensuring that genomic information can be shared and accessed only with proper authentication, preventing monopolization and ensuring security through digital signatures and message digests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If genomic information is stored in traditional databases with external identification tags, then storage and classification are possible, but authentication reliability is poor and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses artificial nucleic acid sequences as digital copies of genomic information. These sequences are stored on blockchain and serve as verifiable copies that can be authenticated without physical tags, replacing traditional identification systems with cryptographic representations of genomic data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical identification tags with cryptographic blockchain technology. The blockchain system uses hash functions, digital signatures, and distributed ledgers to authenticate genomic information, substituting physical tagging mechanisms with a digital cryptographic system that provides higher reliability
2Ease of operation
If genomic information is stored by rich or famous institutions, then secure storage is possible, but access for general researchers is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal blockchain-based system that can be accessed by any node in the distributed network. The system serves multiple functions: secure storage, authentication, data sharing, and access control, making it universally applicable for researchers at any institution rather than being limited to wealthy or famous organizations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blockchain as an intermediary layer between data owners and researchers. The blockchain acts as a neutral mediator that provides secure, transparent, and accessible storage without requiring centralization at wealthy institutions, enabling trustless access through cryptographic verification
3Reliability
If traditional tomb storage is used for deceased individuals, then physical preservation is possible, but environmental burden and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of genomic information through artificial nucleic acid sequences stored on blockchain. These digital representations replace physical tomb storage, preserving genomic data without requiring physical containment of remains, thereby eliminating environmental burden while maintaining preservation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes physical tomb storage with a digital cryptographic system. The blockchain-based storage system replaces the mechanical/physical act of burying remains with digital encoding and distribution of genomic information, eliminating the environmental harm associated with physical tombs
4Productivity
If genome data is sold to commercial organizations without donor knowledge, then commercial utilization is achieved, but donor rights and profit distribution are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through blockchain that provides transparent, verifiable information about data usage to donors. The immutable ledger records all transactions and access events, creating a feedback loop where donors can monitor how their genomic data is utilized and ensure they receive appropriate compensation or acknowledgment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blockchain as an intermediary that mediates between data donors and commercial users. The system provides transparent, verifiable, and controllable data sharing, ensuring donors maintain rights and receive proper compensation while enabling efficient commercial utilization through automated smart contracts
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of storing, in a distributed manner, genomic information in a plurality of nodes, each containing a block chain composed of blocks connected to each other, retrieving at least one piece of the stored genomic information, and acquiring a genomic material corresponding to the retrieved genomic information from a genomic material storage unit that stores genomic materials, each genomic material containing a genome and an artificial nucleic acid sequence. The method includes (1) storing, by each node, genomic information, (2) retrieving, by at least one of the nodes, specific genomic information, and (3) performing authentication.