Secure data storage on DNA hard drives

Abstract

DNA is emerging as a novel material for digital data storage. The two main challenges are efficient encoding and data security. Here, we develop an approach that allows for writing and erasing data by relying solely on Watson-Crick base pairing of short oligonucleotides to single-stranded DNA overhangs located along a long double-stranded DNA hard drive (DNA-HD). Our enzyme-free system enables fast synthesis-free data writing with predetermined building blocks. The use of DNA base pairing allows for secure encryption on DNA-HDs that requires a physical key and nanopore sensing for decoding. The system is suitable for miniature integration for an end-to-end DNA storage device. Our study opens a novel pathway for rewritable and secure data storage with DNA. One Sentence SummaryStoring digital information on molecules along DNA hard drives for rewritable and secure data storage.