High-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis and NGS for Digital TEXT Storage And retrieval in DNA encapsulated nanofibers

Project Information

TextaDNA

Grant agreement ID: 101115292

DOI

10.3030/101115292

EC signature date 30 October 2023

Start date 1 February 2024

End date 31 January 2028

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 509 125,00

EU contribution

€ 2 509 125,00

Coordinated by

ASOCIACION CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION COOPERATIVA EN NANOCIENCIAS CIC NANOGUNE
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TextaDNA (High-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis and NGS for Digital TEXT Storage And retrieval in DNA encapsulated nanofibers)

Reporting period: 2024-02-01 to 2025-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Incorporating biomolecules as integral parts of computational systems represents a frontier challenge in bio and nanotechnology. Using DNA to store digital data is an attractive alternative to conventional information technologies due to its high information density and long lifetime. However, developing an adequate DNA storage medium remains a significant challenge in permitting the safe archival and retrieval of oligonucleotides.

TextaDNA introduces polymer fibres as a novel approach to encapsulating and retrieving information-carrying oligonucleotides. We will develop a complete DNA storage workflow, encoding digital information into DNA base sequences and optimising oligonucleotide synthesis and encapsulation in non-toxic polymer nano and microfibres, ensuring protection from the environment.

The project is led by nanoGUNE, a nanotechnology research centre, and partners with EUROFINS, a leading European company specialising in state-of-art oligo synthesis and next-generation sequencing. TextaDNA will design next-generation sequencing assays to automate the DNA digital storage readout retrieved from fibres. The enhanced oligo synthesis and sequencing strategies that will be developed are of fundamental interest in the path toward broader use of DNA digital storage, increasing synthesis speed and length of oligos and reducing costs.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

We designed and synthesized DNA oligonucleotides encoding messages within a pool of DNA oligonucleotides of adjustable length. The entire encoding and decoding process was evaluated through in silico simulations and in vitro experiments. We built a library of electrospinnable water-resistant polymers suitable for medium-term DNA data storage. The different formulations serve as a matrix for embedding the message-encoded DNA and show high protection of oligonucleotides in harsh storage conditions, such as high temperature and high relative humidity. TextaDNA electrospun fibers constitute a streamlined production method and fast workflow for DNA retrieval compared with the state-of-the-art, as DNA can be released within a few minutes. We showed that messages can be recovered and decoded from samples after subjecting them to accelerated aging.

Our technology allowed the development of a reusable fiber mesh that can undergo several retrieval cycles. This mechanism, akin to a non-destructive readout (NDR) memory, allows the repetitive retrieval of information on demand without disrupting the fiber structure and integrity.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

DNA data storage has the potential to reduce the environmental footprint of existing data farms and data storage methods. In this context, our project brings an easy, versatile and energy-saving solution for storing information-bearing nucleic acid molecules. TextaDNA offers customizable storage methods in fiber-based materials for short and medium-term memory within an end-to-end and well-defined workflow. Future research includes proving the scalability and robustness of this method, as well as the introduction of random access capabilities.

To fully realize the potential of this work and enable its applications beyond the lab, key needs must be met in the future, regarding access to markets and commercialization, for example, to go beyond the technical proof-of-concept. As this field can be still considered to be emerging, competition can intensify fast and IPR support is essential to secure TextaDNA’s ongoing work.

Finally, joining existing standardization bodies and actively supporting the DigNA portfolio to play a key role in efforts on the European and international levels is mandatory to put our project on the global stage and strengthen its relevance.

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