Incorporating Randomness into DNA Steganography to Realize Secondary Secret key, Self-destruction, and Quantum Key Distribution-like Function

Abstract

DNA has become a promising candidate as future data storage medium, which makes DNA steganography indispensable in DNA data security. While PCR primers are conventional secret keys in DNA steganography, the information can be read once the primers are intercepted. New steganography approach is needed to make the DNA-encoded information safer, if not unhackable. Herein, by mixing information-carrying DNA with partially degenerated DNA library containing single or multiple restriction sites, we build an additional protective layer, which can be removed by desired restriction enzymes as secondary secret keys. As PCR is inevitable for reading DNA-encrypted information, heating will cause reshuffling and generate endonuclease-resistant mismatched duplexes, especially for DNA with high sequence diversity. Consequently, with the incorporation of randomness, the DNA steganography possesses both quantum key distribution (QKD)-like function for detecting PCR by an interceptor and self-destructive property. With a DNA-ink incorporating the steganography, the authenticity of a writing can be confirmed only by authorized person with the knowledge of all embedded keys.