DNA stability: a central design consideration for DNA data storage systems

Abstract

Data storage in DNA is a rapidly evolving technology that could be a transformative solution for the rising energy, materials, and space needs of modern information storage. Given that the information medium is DNA itself, its stability under different storage and processing conditions will fundamentally impact and constrain design considerations and data system capabilities. Here we analyze the storage conditions, molecular mechanisms, and stabilization strategies influencing DNA stability and pose specific design configurations and scenarios for future systems that best leverage the considerable advantages of DNA storage.

Fig. 1. Categories of DNA storage with distinct longevities, functional characteristics, and degradation modes.

(Top) A generic DNA-based system showing distinct types of storage modes. (Middle) Functional and physical characteristics of each storage mode. (Bottom) Molecular mechanisms of damage most relevant to each storage mode.

Fig. 2. Analysis of tradeoffs between system reliability, information density, strand length, and error rates.

A Reed-Solomon inner-outer encoding scheme. B Relationship between log decoder error probability during RS decoding and DNA strand length, including the effects of symbol error rate (mutations, insertions, and deletion, P_error) and copy number. C Relationship between information density of a DNA storage system and the probability of symbol erasure (strand loss due to breakage) as a function of strand length. D Relationship between information density and strand length as a function of the probability of strand breakage. C and D assume a copy number of 1.