DNA Text Storage via Ligation Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DNA-based storage technologies face challenges such as high costs, complex design, poor flexibility, and inability to reuse synthetic DNA oligo fragments, limiting their large-scale application and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method for encoding and storing text information using DNA, involving encoding characters into binary digits, transcoding into DNA sequences, synthesizing, and assembling them using designed ligation adapters, allowing for repeated use of DNA fragments and efficient storage and retrieval of information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If DNA-based storage is used to achieve high storage capacity and long-term preservation, then storage capacity and stability are improved, but synthesis cost and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage system into modular components: character encoding units, DNA sequence blocks, and ligation adapters. Each character is encoded as a discrete DNA sequence that can be independently synthesized and then assembled through standardized adapter ligation, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining high storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ligation adapter serves multiple functions: it enables directional assembly of DNA sequences, provides universal compatibility across different character encodings, and facilitates both synthesis and retrieval operations. This multi-functional design reduces the number of different components needed, thereby reducing design complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If DNA sequences are synthesized to store text information, then storage capacity is improved, but synthesis cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsynthesis cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables reuse of ligation adapters and DNA sequence templates through the established assembly and retrieval processes. Adapters that have completed their function in one assembly cycle can be recovered and reused in subsequent cycles, significantly reducing the cost per synthesis operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary encoding of characters into standardized DNA sequences before synthesis. This pre-encoding creates reusable templates that can be directly used in multiple synthesis operations without requiring redesign, reducing the cost of each subsequent synthesis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If complex DNA assembly methods are used to store information, then storage capacity is improved, but flexibility and reusability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic and flexible assembly system where DNA sequences can be easily added, removed, or rearranged through standardized ligation adapter interactions. The modular character encoding allows for dynamic reconfiguration of stored information without requiring complex redesign of the entire system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized ligation adapter design provides universal compatibility that enables the same assembly mechanisms to be used for different types of information storage and retrieval operations, enhancing system flexibility and reusability across various applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3470997B1Method for using DNA to store text information, decoding method therefor and application thereof
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 SHENZHEN HUADA GENE INST
  • EP3470997B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3470997B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3470997B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A method for encoding and storing text information using DNA as a storage medium, a decoding method therefor and an application thereof. The method for using DNA to store text information comprises: encoding characters into computer binary digits by means of encoding, and converting the binary digits into DNA sequences by means of transcoding; and artificially synthesizing the DNA sequences encoded with character information, positioning the characters by means of a designed ligation adapter, and assembling the DNA sequences encoded with the character information according to a pre-set order. The method for using DNA to store text information has the advantages of a small storage volume, a large storage capacity, a strong stability and low maintenance costs.