Binary DNA Nanostructures for Data Encryption

Abstract

We present a simple and secure system for encrypting and decrypting information using DNA self-assembly. Binary data is encoded in the geometry of DNA nanostructures with two distinct conformations. Removing or leaving out a single component reduces these structures to an encrypted solution of ssDNA, whereas adding back this missing “decryption key” causes the spontaneous formation of the message through self-assembly, enabling rapid read out via gel electrophoresis. Applications include authentication, secure messaging, and barcoding.

DNA nanotechnology: new adventures for an old warhorse

“…Information can also be embedded in the artificial 3D architectures of programmed and self-assembled DNA [35]. For instance, Mao et al constructed DNA tiles composed of four DNA molecules that assembled into three double helices [33].…”

Image watermarking using chaotic map and DNA coding

“…Presently, such knowledge about DNA contributes to virtually every area of science, including watermarking (or information hiding) and encryption [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. In the DNA-based watermarking, Clelland et al hided a secret messages in DNA microdot [13].…”

A watermarking system for labeling genomic DNA

“…DNA watermark technologies are generally comprised of three processes: encryption, labeling and detection (Halvorsen and Wong 2012;Jupiter et al 2010). Encryption embeds a particular message or information within a DNA sequence.…”

“…Tai et al (2013) proposed that the use of DNA watermarks could facilitate the authentication and annotation of important plant variety rights. However, to our knowledge, utilization of DNA watermark technology in plants has not previously been reported.DNA watermark technologies are generally comprised of three processes: encryption, labeling and detection (Halvorsen and Wong 2012;Jupiter et al 2010). Encryption embeds a particular message or information within a DNA sequence.…”

“…The encryption process is the most crucial step in DNA watermarking because it primarily determines the subsequent processes. Several encryption methods and algorithms have already been reported (Arita and Ohashi 2004;Clelland et al 1999;Gehani et al 2000;Gupta and Singh 2013;Halvorsen and Wong 2012;Heider and Barnekow 2007;Heider et al 2009;Jacob and Murugan 2013;Leier et al 2000;Smith et al 2003;Tai et al 2013;Wong et al 2003). Of these, text-based methods are representative and their characteristics have been well discussed, such as economic advantages and error protection (Smith et al 2003).…”