Recently, the research teams from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, cooperated with the scientists from Eindhoven University of Technology (the Netherlands), published an important review entitled “DNA as a universal chemical substrate for computing and data storage” in the journal of Nature Reviews Chemistry.

DNA computing and DNA data storage are emerging fields that are unlocking new possibilities in information technology and diagnostics (Figure 1). These approaches use DNA molecules as a computing substrate or a storage medium, offering nanoscale compactness and operation in unconventional media for applications beyond traditional silicon-based computing systems.

Figure 1 DNA as a universal chemical substrate for computing and data storage

In this Review, the authors explore how DNA can be leveraged in the context of DNA computing with a focus on neural networks and compartmentalized DNA circuits. They also discuss emerging approaches to the storage of data in DNA and associated topics such as the writing, reading, retrieval and post-synthesis editing of DNA-encoded data. Finally, the team provide insights into how DNA computing can be integrated with DNA data storage and explore the use of DNA for near-memory computing for future information technology and health analysis applications.

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Ministry of Science and Technology of China and National Facility for Translational Medicine (Shanghai).

The paper link is as follows: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41570-024-00576-4.