Composite Nucleic Acid Molecules for Biocompatible Digital Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing digital data using nucleotide sequences are limited by short sequence lengths, requiring chemical or enzymatic synthesis, and are not compatible with manipulation using living organisms, restricting data density and compatibility with biological systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for storing digital data using double-stranded, replicative, composite nucleic acid molecules with digital data-encoding nucleic acids and non-digital data-encoding nucleic acids, allowing for biocompatible storage and editing within living organisms, with specific structures and sequences optimized for replication and metadata encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If short single-stranded oligonucleotide sequences are used for data storage, then the encoding process is simple, but the data density and storage capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the nucleic acid molecule into distinct functional segments: a double-stranded replicative region for biological propagation and single-stranded data-encoding regions. This segmentation allows the molecule to simultaneously achieve biocompatibility through replication while maintaining high data density through the double-stranded structure and extended sequence length (up to 10^6 nucleotides per strand).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-stranded to double-stranded nucleic acid structures, adding a dimensional aspect that enables replication while preserving encoding capacity. The double-stranded configuration provides both biological functionality for replication and enhanced structural stability for data storage, effectively doubling the information capacity while maintaining manufacturability through standardized synthesis protocols.
2Quantity of substance
If chemical or enzymatic synthesis methods are used, then short sequences can be produced, but the process becomes complex and not biocompatible for manipulation within living organisms
Solution Approach 1:
The nucleic acid molecule is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a data storage medium and a biological entity capable of replication. The double-stranded replicative region enables the molecule to be manipulated within living organisms using standard biological tools, while the single-stranded encoding regions provide data storage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate chemical synthesis and biological manipulation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs biological replication mechanisms to create copies of the nucleic acid molecule, replacing complex chemical synthesis procedures. The double-stranded replicative region serves as a template that can be copied by cellular machinery, enabling scalable production of identical molecules through biological processes rather than chemical synthesis, thereby reducing process complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing nucleic acid storage methods are used, then data can be encoded, but the sequences cannot be replicated or edited using living organisms
Solution Approach 1:
The nucleic acid molecule is pre-designed with a double-stranded replicative region that includes origin of replication sequences and structural elements necessary for biological replication. This preliminary configuration enables the molecule to be copied and edited within living organisms using standard molecular biology tools, while the encoding regions are positioned to maintain data integrity through the replicative process.
4Quantity of substance
If long-read DNA sequences are used for storage, then data capacity increases, but the sequences become more prone to errors and harder to synthesize
Solution Approach 1:
The nucleic acid molecule employs different structural qualities in different regions: the double-stranded replicative region provides high stability and accuracy for biological manipulation, while the single-stranded encoding regions are optimized for data capacity. The double-stranded structure in critical regions reduces error rates through complementary base pairing, while the overall molecule maintains sufficient length for high data capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the storage and/or the editing of digital data including at least one double stranded, replicative, composite nucleic acid molecule. The composite nucleic acid molecule includes both digital data-encoding and non-digital data-encoding nucleic acids. The non-digital data-encoding nucleic acids may allow indexing and/or the provision of metadata for the flanking digital data-encoding nucleic acid. The composite nucleic acid molecules may be pooled to constitute an array and arrays may constitute a DNA drive, which represents the physical support on which the digital data are stored.