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DNA storing data: The unlimited data solution the world needs

Companies are investing in research that would allow DNA molecules to store vast amounts of data using less energy and space.

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Quantumrun Foresight
October 21, 2022

Insight summary

Exploring the limits of current data storage, researchers are turning to DNA, a method that offers higher density and durability for storing massive amounts of data. This shift towards DNA storage is driven by the need for more compact, long-lasting, and secure data solutions as digital data generation skyrockets. These advancements in DNA technology could lead to significant changes across various sectors, from tech giants to small businesses, enhancing security and reducing costs.

DNA storing data context

The Internet forever altered the world by delivering global access to information, communications, and products. The growth of the Internet and digital systems has also spurred the exponential creation and collection of data in all of its forms. As a result, secure data storage has become essential, all while global data storage systems are nearing capacity limits. Researchers are actively exploring DNA molecules as a possible long-term solution to store data.

The public and private sectors are driving the ever-increasing demand for the production and storage of Exabyte (EB) (one billion gigabytes) -scale data sets. However, EB storage is prohibitively expensive, requires space, and demands power and cooling systems. For example, Facebook announced the expansion of its cold data storage facility in Forth Worth, Texas, which spans 150 acres (over 600,000 square meters). This project is projected to finish in 2022 and cost USD $1.5 billion.

However, in 2018, researchers from the University of Washington and Microsoft Research made a significant discovery: the process of encoding large amounts of data onto DNA. The researchers could store 200 megabytes (MB) worth of information, including 35 video, image, audio, and text files ranging in size from 29 kilobytes (KB) to 44MB, onto human DNA. In December 2021, the team created a molecular controller and a chip that could write onto DNA with PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) connection. PCIe connects a computer’s motherboard to endpoints like graphics and sound cards. These developments signal a potential solution allowing organizations to access unlimited data storage capabilities.

Disruptive impact

The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) is looking into storing an EB of information in a blob of DNA. This technology may help solve future data storage issues because DNA is durable.

Meanwhile, in China, scientists at Tianjin University trapped 445KB of data in a cell to make hyperdense, long-lasting DNA storage. DNA firm Twist Bioscience discovered how to do this by using robots to create a million short strands of DNA per day onto silicon chips. The finished product will be a pill-sized container with hundreds of terabytes of storage capacity.

And in 2021, a research team in Atlanta, US, developed a chip that could improve existing forms of DNA storage by up to 100 percent. The process begins with the creation of unique strands of DNA, one base at a time. The DNA structures grown are called microwells and are thinner than a sheet of paper.

Meanwhile, in 2023, Eindhoven University of Technology researchers were working on DNA data centers expected to be operational within five to 10 years. A key innovation here is the use of microcapsules, where each capsule contains a file. This approach, called 'thermo-confined PCR', has allowed for reading multiple files simultaneously with minimal error.

Implications of DNA storing data

Wider implications of DNA storing data may include:

DNA molecules being marketed as the ultimate green data storage system with lower energy consumption. This benefit may incentivize Big Tech to pour investments in this space.

Electronic devices writing and storing data faster, with information surviving for thousands of years.

More partnerships among research institutions and biotech firms to create DNA-based technologies, including data storage and biochips.

Military organizations funding DNA storage research to support the use of artificial intelligence in modern warfare and surveillance, including autonomous drones.