Today our ability to produce data is outstripping our ability to store it.
It is very likely that the demand for data storage will exceed the supply of silicon within the next 20 years.
Current DNA-storage technologies are slow and expensive; MI-DNA Disc aims to bring an in vivo DNA-based data low-cost, energy-efficient, and fast data drive that can write, edit, store, and retrieve the information from DNA package.
PROBLEM
Current DNA-storage technologies arise from the need to store huge amounts of information in a system millions of times denser and more stable than current technologies. The major limitations of DNA-based data storage approaches are that the synthesis and storing of the DNA are slow and very expensive. The chemical synthesis of DNA is limited to fragment lengths of ca. <300 bp because of the decreasing quality of the products. The current enz me-based synthesis approaches can overcome the DNA length limitation, but extensive pipetting steps are required resulting in high costs (e.g., tips, instruments) and increased in vitro variability. The need for a durable and cost-effective DNA storage system arises.
SOLUTION
In MI-DNA Disc we will develop a low-cost, energy-efficient, and fast data drive that is able to write, edit, store, and retrieve DNA-based data. For this purpose, we propose a novel in vivo system that will overcome the limitations of current DNA-data storage technologies. The data drive will be based on simple and easily available hardware components plus bacterial cells.
To achieve this vision, we will exploit the ability of bacteria to store and exchange DNA following light-dependent stimulation.
Advantages
Positive environmental impact
The cultivation of bacteria requires little energy, no rare-earth elements, and other toxic compounds
Integrity
Writing and storage cartridges can be used independently from each other. The two cartridge types can be combined with other DNA writing and storing concepts due to the simple inlet and outlet interfaces.
Reliability
Introduction of checksum and hashing function elements into the DNA data in combination with a data duplicate encoded as reverse complementary sequence will allow to perform in silico data corrections necessary due to mutations during DNA replication and amplification.
Sustainability
Bacteria can use an almost infinitive reservoir of organic and inorganic compounds as power and nutrition source. They can be even autotrophic meaning that the power themselves directly from sunlight. Compared to in vitro DNA synthesis systems, there are not required chemicals, plasticware (e.g., pipette tips, tubes), and sophisticated liquid handling instruments
Scalability
MI-DNA Disc uses data drive that are mass products. Displays and filter cartridges are essential in several sectors such as the biotech, pharma, food, and beverage industry.