High-throughput oligonucleotide synthesis and NGS for Digital TEXT Storage And retrieval in DNA encapsulated nanofibers

Incorporating biomolecules as integral parts of computational systems represents a frontier challenge in bio and nanotechnology. Using DNA to store digital data is an attractive alternative to conventional information technologies due to its high information density and long lifetime. However, developing an adequate DNA storage medium remains a significant challenge in permitting the safe archival and retrieval of oligonucleotides.

TextaDNA introduces polymer fibres as a novel approach to encapsulating and retrieving information-carrying oligonucleotides. We will develop a complete DNA storage workflow, encoding digital information into DNA base sequences and optimising oligonucleotide synthesis and encapsulation in polymer nano and microfibres.

The project is led by nanoGUNE, a nanotechnology research centre, and partners with Eurofins, a leading European company specialising in state-of-art oligo synthesis and next-generation sequencing. Digital information is converted in silico into DNA, taking advantage of the molecule’s inner alphabet of four bases A, C, T and G. The DNA is then synthesized at Eurofins Genomics by novel, high-precision and automated self-developed approach to go beyond the state-of-the-art. The synthesized information-bearing DNA molecules are then encapsulated in polymer fibres for medium to long-term storage. The fibres, whether from non-toxic synthetic polymers or natural ones, ensure protection from environmental conditions.

TextaDNA will design next-generation sequencing assays to automate the DNA digital storage readout retrieved from fibres. The enhanced oligo synthesis and sequencing strategies that will be developed are of fundamental interest in the path toward broader use of DNA digital storage, increasing synthesis speed and length of oligos and reducing costs.