Liquid crystal-guided DNA information storage: Non-destructive recovery and long-term preservation

DNA digital storage features high storage density, low power consumption,
and extended digital recovery time. However, conventional DNA preservation
methods suffer from limitations like low DNA loading and complex recovery
processes. In this study, we develop a liquid crystal-guided DNA
information preservation platform (LDIPP) assembled from 688 bp to 4.8 Mbp
DNA information molecules and cationic surfactants. The thermotropic LDIPP
provides encoded DNA information with high density loading,
thermoplasticity, antimicrobial, and anti-enzymatic properties. Notably,
DNA information was non-destructively recovered by manipulating the
assembly structure using specific salt solutions and bio-amplified through
microbial fermentation. By mineralizing inorganic crystals on LDIPP, the
preservation lifetime is expected to be increased by nearly an order of
magnitude at -20°C. The LDIPP platform offers enhanced DNA data loading,
non-destructive recovery, and customizable macroscopic features, making it
a promising option for long-term information preservation in the rapidly
advancing field of DNA storage technology.