DNA Printer-Finisher System for Nucleic Acid Data Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for nucleic acid digital data storage are costly and error-prone due to the need for base-by-base synthesis of nucleic acids, making it inefficient for encoding and retrieving digital data.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a Printer-Finisher System (PFS) to rapidly and efficiently assemble DNA identifiers from components using inkjet printing, allowing for the encoding of digital information in a combinatorial arrangement of nucleic acid sequences that self-assemble into identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base-by-base nucleic acid synthesis is used to encode digital information, then data can be stored in nucleic acid molecules, but the process becomes costly and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nucleic acid sequence into discrete positional units (first position, second position, etc.) where each position can independently contain specific nucleic acid components. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple positions simultaneously through the reaction mix, eliminating the need for sequential base-by-base synthesis and reducing both cost and error rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction mix is designed to automatically assemble the correct nucleic acid components at their designated positions without requiring manual intervention or complex control mechanisms. The components self-assemble into the final sequence through the reaction conditions provided by the reaction mix, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If base-by-base nucleic acid synthesis is used, then digital data can be stored, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nucleic acid components are pre-positioned at their designated locations in the substrate before the reaction mix is applied. This preliminary arrangement of components allows the subsequent reaction to proceed in parallel across all positions simultaneously, dramatically reducing encoding time compared to sequential base-by-base synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple nucleic acid assembly operations are merged into a single parallel process. The reaction mix simultaneously performs the assembly function for all positional units in one operation, transforming a sequential process into a parallel one and thereby increasing productivity and reducing time loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If components are dispensed at the same location on substrate, then self-assembly can occur, but precise positioning and alignment become critical
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction mix serves as an intermediary medium that facilitates the self-assembly of nucleic acid components. It provides the necessary chemical conditions and molecular interactions that enable components to automatically align and bond at their correct positions without requiring high-precision mechanical positioning systems, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the cost and time associated with encoding and retrieving digital data, while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio and representation of all identifiers, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of nucleic acid digital data storage.
Implementation Method 1
The components are configured to self-assemble, or otherwise sort themselves in a predetermined order, to form identifier nucleic acid molecules
Implementation Method 2
the base to base relationship in the sequence directly translates into the digital information
Implementation Method 3
The system uses a Printer-Finisher System (PFS) to rapidly and efficiently assemble DNA identifiers from components using inkjet printing
Implementation Method 4
The system may alternatively or additionally provide a condition necessary to physically link the components, such as a particular temperature that causes the components to align
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for purifying full-length identifiers from a pool of DNA assembly reactions implemented with a DNA Printer-Finisher System (PFS). The system may include a first printhead configured to dispense a first droplet of a first solution comprising the first component nucleic acid molecule onto a coordinate on a substrate, and a second printhead configured to dispense a second droplet of a second solution comprising the second component nucleic acid molecule onto the coordinate on the substrate, such that the first and second component nucleic acid molecules are collocated on the substrate. The system may include a finisher that dispenses a reaction mix onto the coordinate on the substrate to physically link the first and second component nucleic acid molecules, provides a condition necessary to physically link the first and second component nucleic acid molecules, or both.