DNA-based information storage based on surface immobilised DNA

The exponential increase in digital data requires fundamentally new technology for long-term data archiving. While the concept of using DNA for non-volatile storage was introduced almost 25 years ago, only recently have advances in DNA synthesis and sequencing made such nucleic acid memories (NAMs) a viable proposition. However, at present, no end-to-end solution that can be integrated into existing silicon, IT technology exists.

This project will investigate an end-to-end, hybrid semiconductor-NAM where information can be stored and processed in both the electronic and molecular domains and can move freely across the interface between domains. This project will focus on two challenges that underpin this vision: 1) design and optimisation of a DNA memory based on a library of DNA hairpins; 2) experimental demonstration of electronic query of the hairpin NAM through the use of pH-dependent DNA switches to electronically actuate key-based searching.

This will be a highly experimental project using a range of techniques common to DNA nanotechnology including fluorescence and circular dichroism to explore DNA hairpin opening and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and TIRF microscopy to explore triplex switching as a function of pH. This programme is interdisciplinary with the potential for impact across multiple EPSRC themes, including Information and communication technologies, Microelectronics device technology and Biophysics and soft matter physics. Additionally, hybrid electronic-DNA technologies have particular relevance in medical diagnostics e.g., DNA aptamer-based biosensors. This project thus also contributes indirectly to the EPSRC Healthcare Technologies theme and the EPSRC Grand Challenge Understanding the Physics of Life.