DNA-based information storage based on surface immobilised DNA

数字数据的指数级增长需要从根本上实现长期数据存档的新技术。虽然使用DNA进行非易失性存储的概念是在近25年前提出的，但直到最近，DNA合成和测序的进步才使这种核酸记忆（NAMs）成为可行的提议。但是，目前还没有能够集成到现有硅、IT技术中的端到端解决方案。该项目将研究端到端的混合半导体nam，其中信息可以在电子和分子领域中存储和处理，并且可以在领域之间的界面上自由移动。该项目将重点关注支撑这一愿景的两个挑战：1)基于DNA发夹库的DNA存储器的设计和优化；2)利用ph依赖的DNA开关实现基于键的电子搜索，实现发夹NAM电子查询的实验演示。这将是一个高度实验性的项目，使用一系列DNA纳米技术常见的技术，包括荧光和圆二色性来探索DNA发卡开口，石英晶体微平衡与耗散监测和TIRF显微镜来探索三重开关作为ph值的功能。该计划是跨学科的，具有跨多个EPSRC主题的潜在影响，包括信息和通信技术，微电子器件技术与生物物理和软物质物理。此外，电子-DNA混合技术在医学诊断方面具有特别的相关性，例如，基于DNA适配体的生物传感器。因此，该项目也间接有助于EPSRC医疗技术主题和EPSRC理解生命物理学大挑战。

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.