A team of researchers at MIT, led by James Banal and Jeremiah Johnson, has invented a new way to store DNA in a glass-like polymer that resembles amber. This innovative polymer, made from styrene and crosslinkers, protects DNA from heat and moisture while allowing room temperature storage.
The technology involves embedding the DNA in the polymer, which forms a solid block when heated. To retrieve the DNA, the polymer is broken down with cysteamine and a detergent, ensuring that the DNA remains intact. This advance has significant potential for digital data storage and personalised medicine by providing a scalable and energy-efficient alternative to current methods.
The research was funded by the National Science Foundation and has implications for the long-term preservation of genetic and digital information. The team envisages applications in storing human genomes for future medical analysis and understanding.
