Cost-Efficient Information Writing-in for DNA Data Storage

The rapid progress in artificial DNA synthesis technologies has facilitated the large-scale generation of DNA molecules, establishing a crucial foundation for DNA data storage. While high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have seen significant advancements over the years, challenges persist in DNA synthesis methods due to their high costs, low efficiency, and error susceptibility. The cost and efficiency of information writing are widely recognized as key barriers impeding the progress of DNA data storage. Bridging an estimated gap of 3–4 orders of magnitude in DNA information writing is essential for broad feasibility. This chapter delves into a comprehensive analysis of current strategies for DNA storage information writing, encompassing high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis techniques across different engineering pathways, large DNA fragment assembly technologies, in vivo DNA storage approaches, and information writing methods based on nanostructure self-assembly. Through a quantitative lens, we explore the application contexts of these approaches, identify critical bottlenecks, and propose potential avenues for further development.