R&D: Synthetic DNA Applications in IT

Nature Communications has published an article written by Linda C. Meiser, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland, Bichlien H. Nguyen, Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, 98052, USA, Yuan-Jyue Chen, Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, 98052, USA, Jeff Nivala, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA, Karin Strauss, Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, 98052, USA, Luis Ceze, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA, and Robert N. Grass, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.

Abstract: “Synthetic DNA is a growing alternative to electronic-based technologies in fields such as data storage, product tagging, or signal processing. Its value lies in its characteristic attributes, namely Watson-Crick base pairing, array synthesis, sequencing, toehold displacement and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) capabilities. In this review, we provide an overview of the most prevalent applications of synthetic DNA that could shape the future of information technology. We emphasize the reasons why the biomolecule can be a valuable alternative for conventional electronic-based media, and give insights on where the DNA-analog technology stands with respect to its electronic counterparts.“