Synthetic DNA Data Storage Encryption via Nucleic Acid Polymorphism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for encoding information in synthetic DNA lack secure access control, as anyone with access to the DNA and the translation method can recover the information, posing a challenge in secure storage of sensitive data.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates an encryption key based on polymorphic features of nucleic acids from entities, encrypts information, and encodes it into synthetic DNA, ensuring only authorized individuals can access the information by using a decryption key generated from the same polymorphic features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information is encoded in synthetic DNA using a translation method, then data density and storage stability are improved, but security is worsened because anyone with access to the DNA and translation method can recover the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting the information before encoding it into synthetic DNA. The encryption step is performed in advance, so that even if the DNA is accessed without authorization, the information remains protected until the correct decryption key is applied during the retrieval process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the encryption/decryption key system - that mediates between the stored DNA information and the user attempting to access it. The key acts as a necessary intermediary component that enables or prevents information recovery, adding a security layer between the physical DNA medium and the intellectual content
2Ease of operation
If common authentication methods (passwords, biometrics) are used for DNA-encoded data, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to DNA storage context is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using polymorphic nucleic acid features - the same biological material that serves as the DNA storage medium - also as the basis for authentication. This multi-functional use of nucleic acids allows the system to work within the DNA storage context while providing biometric-style authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the authentication mechanism inherently tied to the DNA storage system itself. The polymorphic features of the user's own nucleic acids are used to generate authentication keys, allowing the biological material to serve both as storage medium and authentication source without requiring separate external authentication systems
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is notably directed to a method for encoding information. This method first comprises generating an encryption key according to polymorphic features of nucleic acids from one or more entities. Next, information is encrypted based on the generated key. Finally, the encrypted information is encoded into synthetic DNA. Another aspect concerns a method for retrieving information. Consistently with the above encoding scheme, synthetic DNA in provided, which encodes encrypted information. Such information is read by sequencing the synthetic DNA and by decrypting the information read using a decryption key. The latter is generated according to polymorphic features of nucleic acids from one or more entities (e.g., from the legitimate individual(s) requesting access to information). Thus, the encoded information cannot be interpreted unless a suitable decryption key is available. The invention is further directed to related DNA samples and systems, including DNA vaults.