Demonstration of End-to-End Automation of DNA Data Storage

Abstract

Synthetic DNA has emerged as a novel substrate to encode computer data with the potential to be orders of magnitude denser than contemporary cutting edge techniques. However, even with the help of automated synthesis and sequencing devices, many intermediate steps still require expert laboratory technicians to execute. We have developed an automated end-to-end DNA data storage device to explore the challenges of automation within the constraints of this unique application. Our device encodes data into a DNA sequence, which is then written to a DNA oligonucleotide using a custom DNA synthesizer, pooled for liquid storage, and read using a nanopore sequencer and a novel, minimal preparation protocol. We demonstrate an automated 5-byte write, store, and read cycle with a modular design enabling expansion as new technology becomes available.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Mar 21, 2019
Source ID
10.1038/s41598-019-41228-8

Entities

People

  • Bichlien H. Nguyen
  • Christopher N. Takahashi
  • Karin Strauss
  • Luis Ceze

Organizations

  • Microsoft Research
  • United States Department of Defense

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Molecular and genetic basis of cancer.
  • Software Engineering