Flow Cell Apparatus for DNA Data Storage via Electrochemical Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage technologies, such as magnetic and optical storage, face limitations in read-write speed, data retention duration, and data density, while existing DNA sequencing methods are complex and inefficient for obtaining information from biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a flow cell apparatus with electrodes and an imaging assembly to read or write polynucleotides, allowing direct sequencing of DNA or RNA from biological samples, including the use of location and source indexing features for identification, and the ability to bind and lyse cells for information extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional magnetic or optical storage is used, then data storage is achieved, but read-write speed and data density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical magnetic storage or optical storage systems with a biochemical DNA storage system. DNA molecules store data through their nucleotide sequences, eliminating the need for mechanical read/write heads and magnetic fields. The flow cell apparatus with electrodes and imaging assembly directly sequences DNA molecules to retrieve stored information, achieving faster access speeds without mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the storage medium from magnetic domains or optical patterns to molecular DNA structures. By encoding data in the sequence of nucleotides (A, T, C, G), the system achieves exponentially higher data density. The flow cell enables parallel processing of multiple DNA molecules simultaneously, dramatically increasing read-write throughput.
2Productivity
If DNA sequencing is performed using traditional array-based cyclic methods, then sequence information is obtained, but the process is complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sequencing process into independent parallel reactions occurring in separate flow channels. Each channel contains DNA molecules undergoing simultaneous enzymatic reactions for nucleotide incorporation. The flow cell matrix with multiple channels and wells enables high-throughput parallel sequencing, dramatically increasing productivity compared to traditional single-channel cyclic methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow cell apparatus with controlled fluid flow as an intermediary system between DNA sample loading and sequence detection. Reagents are delivered through flow channels to react with DNA in wells, and imaging assemblies capture signals non-invasively. This intermediary flow system simplifies the overall process by automating reagent delivery and waste removal without complex mechanical manipulation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If data is stored in traditional storage media, then storage is achieved, but data retention duration is limited compared to DNA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces volatile or semi-volatile storage media with stable DNA molecules that can preserve information for millennia under appropriate conditions. DNA's chemical stability and resistance to degradation provide long-term archival storage capability far exceeding traditional magnetic or optical media, though requiring specialized biochemical handling infrastructure.
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
Enables faster data processing, longer data retention, and higher data density compared to traditional storage methods, with improved efficiency in obtaining and storing biological information from samples like whole blood, serum, and pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging assembly to capture images indicative of the nucleotide in a polynucleotide written in at least one well of the plurality of wells
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electrodes, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes being positioned in a corresponding well of the plurality of wells, the plurality of electrodes to effect one or both of reading or writing of a polynucleotide
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are used for obtaining, cataloguing, and/or storing data derived from a biological source using a flow cell body, electrodes, and an imaging assembly. The data may include DNA and/or RNA obtained from a biological source, such as from the cells of an organism. The methods may be used to obtain, catalog, and/or store data such as DNA or RNA sequence from a pathogen such as a virus and/or a bacteria, human health data over time, and immune system information from an individual. The data obtained using the disclosed methods may be used for a variety of different purposes, including the manufacture of vaccine compositions, and for restoring the immune system of an individual who has undergone an immune system depleting event. The methods may be used for storage of biological cells, which may be used for the screening of compounds, such as small molecules with potential for therapeutic indications.