Toward highly effective loading of DNA in hydrogels for high-density and long-term information storage

Abstract

Digital information, when converted into a DNA sequence, provides dense, stable, energy-efficient, and sustainable data storage. The most stable method for encapsulating DNA has been in an inorganic matrix of silica, iron oxide, or both, but are limited by low DNA uptake and complex recovery techniques. This study investigated a rationally designed thermally responsive functionally graded (TRFG) hydrogel as a simple and cost-effective method for storing DNA. The TRFG hydrogel shows high DNA uptake, long-term protection, and reusability due to nondestructive DNA extraction. The high loading capacity was achieved by directly absorbing DNA from the solution, which is then retained because of its interaction with a hyperbranched cationic polymer loaded into a negatively charged hydrogel matrix used as a support and because of its thermoresponsive nature, which allows DNA concentration within the hydrogel through multiple swelling/deswelling cycles. We were able to achieve a high DNA data density of 7.0 × 10 9 gigabytes per gram using a hydrogel-based system.

Observation of Ultrahigh Photoconductivity in DNA‐MoS2 Nano‐Biocomposite

“…Mechanically robust and highly conductive DNA-MoS 2 hydrogel nano-biocomposite was prepared using a typical thermal annealing method [8,31] and schematically demonstrated in Figure 1a. Different MoS 2 loading concentrations were investigated and compared with pure DNA hydrogel without MoS 2 .…”

“…[5,6] Due to the unique properties of DNA, such as its self-assembly capabilities and responsiveness to stimuli, DNA hydrogels offer a range of benefits for device development. [7,8] These hydrogels can be engineered to exhibit specific properties, including selective binding, tunable mechanical strength, flexibility, biocompatibility, and the ability to encapsulate various materials. [9][10][11] Such characteristics make DNA hydrogels promising scaffold material for applications in areas such as bioelectronics, tissue engineering, microfluidic devices, and bio-integrated wearable electronics.…”

Preparation of Biomass-Derived DNA-Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Complex Hydrogels for Economical and Reliable DNA Preservation and Protein Immobilization

“…These innovations have the potential to revolutionize fields such as synthetic biology and DNA data storage and robust preservation of the UBPs embedded in DNA is crucial for most of them. Storing DNA in the form of powder is by far the most commonly used strategy for in vitro preservation of DNA . However, the inherent intolerance of backbone-unmodified DNA to environmental stressors, such as enzymatic degradation, radical oxygen species (ROS), and metal ions, poses a challenge in preserving the integrity and functionality of DNA for different applications .…”