DNA Sequencing May Unlock the Future of Digital Storage

Storage devices such as hard drives and solid-state drives don’t last forever. They are fragile, challenging to maintain, and can become obsolete quickly, causing considerable harm and loss if a device becomes unusable. Further, as data creation will soon outpace the amount of available storage space, new digital storage options could offer a unique solution to these ongoing challenges. 

To address these challenges, the French-based company Biomemory recently introduced DNA Cards, an innovative approach to storage that sets a new standard for data longevity. Smaller than a deck of playing cards, DNA Cards are DNA-based data storage that uses molecular computing rather than silicon chips for storage needs. This release makes the technology available to the public for the first time. 

 

 

 

How DNA Cards Work 

Like traditional storage devices, digital data like photos, videos, and text files are converted to the 1s and 0s of binary code. Biomemory takes it a step further by converting that binary code into genetic sequences made up of the four letters that comprise the language of DNA: A, G, C, and T. These letters represent Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine and Thymine — the four chemical bases that make up DNA. Then, that twice-converted code is used to create a custom DNA strand for the digital media that is put into a solution and dried so it can last longer. Then, the strand is then put into a sealed DNA card that can preserve the data for more than 150 years by protecting it from external elements, according to Biomemory. 

 

Challenges with DNA Cards

Storing digital files in DNA sequences could prove to be a powerful tool with more staying power, but there are significant challenges remaining. Biomemory’s current DNA cards can store only one kilobyte of data, or about 200 words. It can take eight hours to encode the DNA sequence. Both points lag far behind current storage options. Similarly, the process to retrieve the data from the card is time consuming and laborious. Customers receive two copies of a card and must mail one back to Eurofins Genomics, a biotech partner company tasked with sequencing the DNA. Those results are then shared with the customer over the internet. Despite the DNA cards promise, its reliance on physical mailing and risks — both physical and digital during the transactional steps — raise significant concerns as to whether it’s a viable option for everyday consumers.  

DNA Cards’ potential mass adoption is also further limited by its $1,000 price tag. Biomemory is managing a waitlist for hopeful users who see its current use for small but important storage projects — like a password or digital family memory. 

 

 

 

Opportunities at Capitol Tech & Beyond

As technologies evolve, DNA sequences will retain their structure. And DNA’s incredible storage power — a single gram of DNA could contain roughly 215,000 times the storage capacity of Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max — could help to reduce the physical space and energy required by massive storage centers and reduce electronic waste. As is the case with a traditional tech product’s lifecycle, more widespread demand can help to improve efficiencies and drive down prices. Biomemory hopes to offer a 100-petabyte storage option by 2026.  

In the face of these challenges, the company touts the DNA cards reliability, stability, durability, security, and support of sustainable practices. It may be the first iteration of DNA-based storage devices, but it demonstrates meaningful progress in a new approach and offers a promising glimpse into the future of digital storage. 

Capitol Tech’s degree programs in Engineering Technologies can prepare you to create innovative technological solutions that address challenges across a variety of industries. For more information, contact our Admissions team at admissions@captechu.edu.