At the forefront of sustainable technology, the EU project TextaDNA – partnered by Eurofins Genomics and CIC nanoGUNE is pioneering a groundbreaking method for storing data by embedding DNA molecules into polymer fibers. This innovative technique offers an eco-friendly, low-cost, and scalable solution for non-volatile memory storage.
With the ever-increasing demand for data storage, TextaDNA builds on synthetic DNA’s remarkable attributes—its high information density and durability. This process involves encoding digital data into DNA and encapsulating it within biodegradable nano and microfibers, creating an efficient and sustainable way for storing information and addressing applications in the textile industry such as product verification as molecular label or product personalization, the IT industry and its cryptographic enterprises, and the biotech industry where biodegradable fibers can function as scaffold in the context of drug delivery and tissue engineering.
By developing this cutting-edge technology, TextaDNA is set to revolutionize how we think about data storage, combining the resilience of DNA with the flexibility of fiber-based materials like textiles. Stay tuned for exciting developments in this area as they continue to push the boundaries of digital storage solutions.
The process of storing and retrieving information through DNA-encoded fibers follows these steps:
1. DNA Encoding and Synthesis
- Data is encoded into DNA sequences introducing fail saves like error correction or critical redundancy
Figure 1: Schematic representation of DNA encoding process. Digital data like texts are converted into binary code, which in turn is encoded into DNA sequences.
- Synthesis of nucleic acids containing the digital information is accomplished by custom-built high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesizers and an automated downstream workflow at our Eurofins Genomics production site in Ebersberg
Figure 2: Representative UV traces of crude and purified oligonucleotide recorded on Vanquish Horizon UHPLC system at 60 °C using Eurofins proprietary IP-RP buffer conditions (left) and corresponding ESI-MS spectrum recorded on Orbitrap Exploris MX mass detector (right).
2. DNA Encapsulation via Solution Electrospinning
- Polymer-DNA Mix Preparation at CIC nanoGUNE, DNA is mixed with a dissolved polymer to form a blend.
- Fiber Production: The prepared mixture is processed using a solution electrospinning technique. High voltage is applied to a spinneret connected to a syringe pump and a collector, allowing the polymer-DNA mix to be spun into fibers.
- Fiber Formation: This process results in an electrospun fiber mesh, with individual fibers embedded with oligonucleotides carrying the encoded data.
Figure 3: Schematic representation of DNA encapsulation workflow using electrospinning and representative SEM images of DNA encapsulated fiber mesh. To the jet of polymer / DNA solution a high voltage is applied resulting in fiber formation on the grounded collector.
3. Data Retrieval and Sequencing
- DNA retrieval: The fibers undergo a retrieval process to release the encapsulated oligonucleotides into solution.
- Amplification: The released oligonucleotides are amplified through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to increase the quantity of DNA.
- Analysis and Sequencing: At Eurofins, the amplified DNA is analyzed using next generation sequencing (NGS) and decoded to retrieve the original data.
Figure 4: Data processing pipeline 1) Encoding using our adapted Goldman scheme 2) Synthesis of the oligonucleotide pool with additional Illumina adapters. 3) The samples are sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq. We obtain FastQ files ready for in silico processing. 4) The sequences are trimmed to remove adapters and discard oligos with unexpected lengths. 5) The fragments are clustered. 6) The decoding part of the modified Goldman scheme is run to retrieve the original message.
- Proof-of-Concept: Successful implementation of DNA data storage in polymer fibers. Successful decoding of the fiber-stored DNA into human readable text.
- Optimization of protocols within oligonucleotide synthesis, polymer preparation, and next-generation sequencing, demonstrating the effectiveness of the integrated DNA storage and retrieval system and leading to:
- Reduced carbon footprint & improved sustainability
- Time effective processes
- High-quality intermediates
Strategic Partnerships:
TextaDNA is supported by two key partners who bring invaluable expertise to the project:
- CIC nanoGUNE: A world-class nanoscience research center in San Sebastian, Spain, specializing in nanotechnology and its applications for advanced materials and data storage solutions. They are instrumental in the development of the polymer fibers used for DNA data storage.
- Eurofins Genomics: A global leader in DNA sequencing, genotyping, and bioinformatics, Eurofins Genomics supports the project with cutting-edge genomic technologies and services. Their expertise ensures the quality and scalability of DNA storage solutions.
Together, this collaboration aims to revolutionize the way data is stored and preserved, moving towards a more sustainable future for digital storage.
For more information, visit TextaDNA.
This Project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon EIC 2022 Pathfinder Challenges program under grant agreement Nº 101115292.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
