Sequence-Controlled Polymer Storage Embedded in 3D-Printed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storage architectures, such as hard-drives and magnetic tapes, have reached physical limitations and cannot keep pace with growing digital storage requirements, and they lack the ability to store data in any shape or maintain data integrity over long periods.
Innovation Solution
The DNA of Things (DoT) architecture encodes data onto DNA molecules, encapsulates them in silica nanoparticles, and fuses them into a thermoplastic polymer filament for 3D printing, allowing for the creation of objects with embedded data that can be replicated and retrieved without additional DNA synthesis, using error correction codes like DNA Fountain to ensure data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional storage architectures (hard-drives, magnetic tapes) are used, then data storage is achievable, but physical limitations prevent scaling and data integrity cannot be maintained over long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data storage from traditional magnetic/electronic media to DNA-based molecular storage. This parameter change enables vastly extended storage duration (centuries to millennia) and improved reliability through the chemical stability of DNA, which resists degradation compared to traditional storage media that suffer from magnetic decay, tape degradation, and hardware obsolescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating DNA molecules with protective encapsulation structures and error correction codes. The DNA is combined with silica nanoparticles for protection, embedded in polymer matrices for structural stability, and paired with computational error correction mechanisms, creating a composite storage system that maintains data integrity over extended periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is stored in traditional formats, then storage is possible, but the ability to store data in any shape is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the storage system universal by enabling data to be stored in any physical form factor. DNA can be encapsulated in particles of various shapes, embedded in 3D-printed objects of any geometry, or integrated into flexible substrates. This multi-functionality allows the same DNA-based storage mechanism to serve diverse applications regardless of shape or size requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the storage medium to have different properties. DNA molecules can be selectively distributed within 3D-printed objects, with higher concentrations in specific areas or embedded only in particular structural components, enabling spatially varying data density and accessibility while maintaining overall system flexibility.
3Quantity of substance
If DNA is used for data storage, then exceptional data density and longevity are achieved, but additional DNA synthesis is required for replication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synthesizing DNA molecules and encapsulating them in protective particles before embedding in the final storage medium. This preliminary encapsulation in silica nanoparticles or polymer matrices protects the DNA during subsequent handling, 3D printing, and replication processes, eliminating the need for additional DNA synthesis while maintaining data integrity across multiple generations of replication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by embedding DNA-containing particles into 3D-printed objects that can be replicated through additive manufacturing. The DNA serves as a master template that can be copied into multiple identical or variant objects without requiring additional DNA synthesis, as the DNA itself remains intact within each replicated object.
4Manufacturing precision
If particles are embedded into feedstock for 3D printing, then data can be stored in 3D objects, but particle distribution and concentration must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by first encapsulating DNA in silica nanoparticles or polymer microcapsles, then embedding these pre-formed particles into the 3D printing feedstock. This intermediary step simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing particles to be mixed into the feedstock material without requiring complex in-situ formation processes, while still achieving uniform distribution through standard mixing and extrusion techniques used in 3D printing.
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 achieves exceptional data density and longevity, enabling the creation of objects that can store and replicate data for multiple generations with high fidelity and resistance to environmental stressors, while maintaining negligible per-unit costs for mass production.
Implementation Method 1
encapsulating the synthesized one or more sequence-controlled polymer comprises sol-gel synthesis
Implementation Method 2
releasing the plurality of particles comprises applying tetrahydrofuran to the thermo-polymer
Implementation Method 3
extracting the one or more sequence-controlled polymer comprises applying a buffered oxide etch to the plurality of particles
Implementation Method 4
The feedstock is converted into a 3D object, preferably by 3D printing
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for sequence-controlled polymer encoding, decoding, and storage are provided. In various embodiments, input data is encoded into one or more sequence controlled polymer, wherein encoding the input data comprises applying an error-correction code. The one or more sequence-controlled polymer are synthesized. The synthesized one or more sequence-controlled polymer are encapsulated in a plurality of particles. The plurality of particles are embedded into a feedstock.