Fraunhofer unveils synthetic DNA-based microchip platform for sustainable mass data storage

(IN BRIEF) Fraunhofer institutes have launched the BIOSYNTH project, developing a high-throughput microchip platform that uses synthetic DNA to address the growing data storage crisis. This innovative solution promises a space-saving, low-cost, and energy-efficient alternative for mass data storage, with applications extending into fields such as bioinformatics, personalized medicine, and substance screening. The project also paves the way for integrating synthetic biology in data storage systems and has industry partners supporting the transition to real-world applications.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 5-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Fraunhofer has announced the development of an innovative microchip platform for sustainable mass data storage using synthetic biology. This breakthrough technology is poised to revolutionize how data is archived, offering an energy-efficient, space-saving alternative to traditional storage solutions. The new platform leverages synthetic DNA, providing a scalable solution for long-term data storage that is independent of climate and season, addressing the growing need for efficient data management in the face of rapidly increasing global data volumes.

The challenge of managing the exponential growth of data is intensifying. As traditional storage solutions struggle to keep up, Fraunhofer institutes have launched the BIOSYNTH project, aiming to revolutionize mass data storage with synthetic DNA. By utilizing a microchip platform, researchers are developing a solution that offers space-saving, low-cost, and energy-efficient data storage, providing an alternative to traditional methods.

Dr. Uwe Vogel, the project’s coordinator and head of the Microdisplays and Sensors department at Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS, explains that the platform will not only store data but also has the potential to drive biological applications like substance screening and active ingredient development.

In the BIOSYNTH project, synthetic DNA, RNA, and peptides will be written to microchips, transforming how information is archived. DNA, with its vast potential for high-density storage, is ideally suited for this purpose. However, the new microchip system uses synthetic biology to overcome the limitations of current DNA-based storage, providing a scalable, high-throughput solution that could serve various applications in the future.

The platform is designed to be compact and energy-efficient, combining CMOS-integrated electronics with miniaturized reaction cells, OLED light sources, and photodetectors. These elements work together to perform the synthesis of biological molecules such as DNA and peptides, while ensuring efficient and accurate data storage and retrieval.

Dr. Vogel also notes that the BIOSYNTH project’s microchip system could play a significant role in bioinformatics and big data technologies, especially for applications requiring the analysis of biological substances, pollution testing, and personalized medicine.

The project, which is funded by the Fraunhofer PREPARE program, also sees Fraunhofer collaborating with industry leaders like Infineon Technologies, Hybrotec GmbH, and X-FAB Semiconductor Foundries GmbH. These partners provide critical expertise to ensure that the system is not only a scientific breakthrough but one that can be practically applied in industrial settings. The results of the project will be presented at the SynBioBeta conference in San Jose, California, from May 5-8, 2025.

Project profile:

BIOSYNTH — Modular High-Throughput Microplatform for Future Mass Data Storage Based on Synthetic Biology

Project partners:

Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS (lead entity in the consortium)

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses institute branch IZI-BB

Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM

Duration:

June 1, 2022–May 31, 2026

Project funded by:

Internal Fraunhofer program PREPARE

Division of tasks:

Fraunhofer IPMS:

silicon-based microplatform, integrated micro-heaters, light sources (OLEDs) and photodetectors on silicon CMOS

Fraunhofer IZI-BB:

biochemical synthesis, microfluidic chips, biomolecules with complex properties

Fraunhofer ITEM:

bioinformatics, data conversions, error-correcting codes, big data technologies

Media Contact:

Ines Schedwill
PR and Communications
Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS
Maria-Reiche-Str. 2
01109 Dresden, Germany
Phone +49 351 8823-238
ines.schedwill@ipms.fraunhofer.de

SOURCE: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

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