High-Throughput and Fully Integrated DNA Storage by CMOS Circuits and Systems

DNA storage has multiple advantages of long data retention time, high storage density, low power consumption, etc., and is a potential competitive information storage strategy in the future. However, DNA storage remains on the level of conceptual model globally, and the storage capability has not surpassed 1 GB yet. The key bottleneck is the multiple individual steps involved, including writing/storage/retrieving/reading. DNA molecules with storage information are transported and reacted in several medium and instruments, intrinsically causing long processing time, high cost and low accuracy. Here, we studied high-throughput and fully integrated DNA storage ASIC based on Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), with more than 24,000 storage units fully capable of DNA synthesis, sequencing and quantification. By optimizing corresponding Integrated Circuit (IC) design, post-processing fabrication and electrochemical DNA synthesis and sequencing process, we solved the current problems of low throughput and high cost in DNA storage device. As the storage capability could increase along with the CMOS technology, our method paves the way for promoting applications of DNA storage.