Mass data storage from synthetic biology

DNA, RNA and PEPTIDE as storage media: Within the project "BIOSYNTH – Modular high-throughput micro-platform for future mass data storage from synthetic biology", a novel microchip platform for efficient cell-free and digitally controllable biosynthesis is to be developed. Together with three other institutes, Fraunhofer IPMS is researching the foundations for the mass data storage systems of the future with extremely high storage density.

DNA is known as the basic medium for storing genomic information. However, DNA can also be used to store (binary) data - a future technology that has so far been the subject of basic research in Europe. This involves transferring microbiological processes from nature to artificial data systems. Writing DNA on microchips is still a major challenge, but also a huge opportunity. Information can be stored in very high density directly on a microchip thanks to the specific three-dimensional and digitally controllable arrangement of base pairs.

The BIOSYNTH project combines the expertise of four Fraunhofer Institutes with the aim of significantly improving DNA synthesis. This is achieved by means of a universal microchip platform for DNA/RNA/peptide writing. Previous synthesis approaches (including inkjet) are not very efficient in the generation of long DNA segments. They also generate numerous inaccuracies that are time-consuming and expensive to correct. In addition, the corresponding device technology is large and cost-intensive. "The BIOSYNTH project therefore aims to lay the technological, biological and information technology foundations for biological mass data storage systems with extremely high storage density and ageing resistance," explains Dr Uwe Vogel, consortium leader at the Fraunhofer FEP.

The project aims to develop a platform based on conventional microchip manufacturing technologies for writing software-defined nucleotide sequences (DNA, RNA or peptides). In the future, this will enable the highly parallel and high-throughput production of mass data storage devices through duplication in the volume production processes of the microelectronics industry. In a microplatform designed and manufactured using microelectronics methods, miniaturised reaction cells with reaction volumes in the picolitre range for cell-free synthesis are to be integrated into a freely programmable active matrix array arrangement at micrometre level. Suitable thermal and photonic components as well as surface functionalisation for each reaction cell will be used for transport, immobilisation, activation and monitoring of the process conditions and results.

The Fraunhofer FEP is designing the integrated circuit of the CMOS backplane for controlling and reading out the microheaters for biosynthesis, the OLED and photodetector pixels in the active matrix arrangement and a corresponding test setup.

The task of Fraunhofer IPMS is to develop the "thermal" level for the microchip platform. The heating function for setting the temperature for biological synthesis is provided by structures in surface micromechanics based on the technology of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUT). Fraunhofer IPMS is also contributing simulation expertise for the thermal functionality. The task in the project is then to realise a MEMS technology in which organic components (organic light-emitting diodes and photodiodes) from Fraunhofer FEP can be integrated to monitor the synthesis process.

Afterwards, colleagues from the Fraunhofer IZI-BB in Potsdam will realise the synthesis process with the help of the microchip platform. Fraunhofer ITEM is working on the corresponding coding processes in biological components.

The project is being supported by a group of renowned consultants from industry, science and users as well as experts from the University of Marburg, XFAB, Infineon, the Federal Archive and Hybrotec. The initial results are to be presented to the public for the first time at a user workshop at the end of 2023.