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为长期数据存档提供新的技术。虽然使用DNA进行非易失性存储的概念在近25年前就被引入，但直到最近DNA合成和测序的进展才使这种核酸存储器(NAMS)成为一个可行的命题。然而，目前还没有可以集成到现有硅片、IT技术中的端到端解决方案。该项目将研究一种端到端的混合半导体-NAM，其中信息可以在电子和分子域中存储和处理，并可以在域之间的界面上自由移动。该项目将侧重于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)通过使用依赖于pH的DNA开关以电子方式启动基于关键字的搜索，对发夹NAM进行电子查询的实验演示。这将是一个高度实验性的项目，使用DNA纳米技术常见的一系列技术，包括荧光和圆二色谱来探索DNA发夹开口和石英晶体微天平，具有耗散监测和TIRF显微镜，以探索三链开关作为pH的函数。该方案是跨学科的，可能对EPSRC的多个主题产生影响，包括信息和通信技术、微电子设备技术以及生物物理学和软物质物理学。此外，混合电子-DNA技术在医疗诊断中具有特别的相关性，例如基于DNA适体的生物传感器。因此，该项目还间接促进了EPSRC医疗保健技术主题和EPSRC了解生命物理学的重大挑战。

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.