Nanopore Polymer Memory Data Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for stable and efficient data storage solutions that can handle increasing data volumes over extended periods, as existing storage media like hard drives and magnetic tapes are prone to corruption and instability over time.
Innovation Solution
The development of nanopore-based memory systems using DNA or polymers, where data is stored in multi-chamber nanopore cells with controlled DC and AC voltages to steer and read data, enabling robust and long-term data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional storage media like hard drives and magnetic tapes are used, then data storage is achieved, but the storage becomes unstable and corrupted after prolonged storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of storage medium from traditional magnetic/optical media to DNA polymers, which have superior chemical stability and can preserve data for thousands of years under proper conditions. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing both long duration and high reliability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical storage systems (hard drives with moving parts, magnetic tapes) with a chemical/biological storage system based on DNA synthesis and sequencing. This substitution eliminates mechanical degradation and magnetic decay, achieving both extended duration and enhanced reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If data storage capacity is increased, then more data can be stored, but the storage devices get smaller and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar storage to three-dimensional molecular-scale storage by utilizing DNA's inherent three-dimensional structure and enabling vertical stacking of storage layers. This dimensional change allows exponential capacity increases without proportional increases in device footprint or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested storage by placing multiple DNA strands within nanopores, and multiple nanopores within a single device structure. This nested arrangement maximizes storage density while maintaining a compact and manageable device architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If nano-scale storage structures are used, then storage density is improved, but the difficulty of writing and reading data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DNA polymerases and sequencing reagents as intermediary agents that facilitate data writing and reading at the nanoscale. These biochemical intermediaries enable precise manipulation and detection of DNA-based storage without requiring direct mechanical intervention at the molecular level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluidic flow through nanopores to transport DNA strands and reagents, using hydraulic principles to control the movement and positioning of molecules during synthesis and sequencing operations. This fluidic approach simplifies nanoscale manipulation compared to direct mechanical methods.
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 provides a stable and efficient method for storing large volumes of data, with the ability to read and write data using nanopore-polymer resonators, offering improved storage density and longevity compared to traditional media.
Implementation Method 1
reading the digital data stored on the polymer as it passes through the nanopore using a resonance frequency response of a nanopore-polymer resonator on the chip
Implementation Method 2
successively steering the polymer through the nanopore into the addition chambers to add the codes to the polymer based on a predetermined digital data pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a novel system and method of storing multi-bit information, including providing a nano-channel-based polymer memory device, the device having at least one memory cell comprising at least two addition nano-channels, each of the addition nano-channels arranged to add a unique chemical construct (or codes) to the polymer when the polymer enters the respective addition nano-channel, the polymer having a bead or origami on a non-writing end of the polymer; each nano-channel having a nano-port constriction having a port width which allows the polymer to pass through the nano-port, and does not allow the bead or origami to pass through and does not allow addition or deblocking enzymes (or beads attached thereto) to pass through the nano-port; successively steering the polymer through the nanopore into the addition nano-channels to add the codes to the polymer based on a predetermined digital data pattern to create the digital data pattern on the polymer.