Abstract
Defined-sequence polymers have great potential as durable and high-density data-storage media. DNA already fulfils this role in nature, using the sequence of its four nucleobases to store genetic information. Synthetic DNA can be used to store binary codes, and it is both more durable and can store information at a much higher density than conventional silicon-based storage systems. Other defined-sequence synthetic polymers have properties that make them even more suitable for data storage, at least in principle, assuming that complete control over their composition, that is, their monomer sequence, can be achieved. This Review addresses the current status of data storage in DNA, proteins and synthetic polymers, with the objective to overcome the problems of current data storage technology. Large increases in the amount of information produced year on year motivate the development of new storage media. This Review addresses the current status of data storage at the level of single polymer chains: in DNA, proteins and synthetic polymers.
Highlights
Abstract| Polymers show great potential as a durable and high density alternative for data storage and for this purpose the natural polymer DNA has already attracted much interest from researchers
We learned about old civilizations in Mesopotamia through 5,300-year-old clay tablets from Uruk that have been preserved until today, we learned about the late Shang dynasty (c. 1200–1050 BC) from China through inscriptions on oracle bones, and about the Olmec civilization in Mexico through the Cascajal Block, a stone slab with 3,000-year-old writing made of serpentinite[1]
It is expected that the need for digital information will continue to grow, reaching the level of 44 trillion gigabytes in 20202–5
Summary
The following full text is a postprint version which may differ from the publisher's version. For additional information about this publication click this link. Please be advised that this information was generated on 2021-11-02 and may be subject to change
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