Researchers at Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute have developed a DNA-based electronic memory system, advancing the integration of biological molecules into modern electronics. The team, led by Josh Hihath, director of the Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, demonstrated that DNA can function as an electronic, chip-integrated memory device.
The researchers achieved this by precisely controlling how metal ions bind within a DNA molecule, enabling them to create, read, and delete digital data on a custom-built nanochip.
“DNA has long been referred to as a ‘genetic memory,’” Hihath said. “We wanted to create a system that took advantage of DNA’s unique storage capabilities, but in a way that was directly compatible with electronic systems.”
Traditional methods for storing data in DNA depend on sequencing, which is slow and not suited for today’s electronics. To address this limitation, the ASU team used DNA’s chemical flexibility to store information electronically. Their method involves inserting silver and mercury ions between bases in the DNA strand. By adjusting pH levels and applying electrical voltage, different ions bind to the molecule and change its electrical resistance. This process allows the system to toggle between three states: +1, 0 and –1.
These changes are reversible and enable the memory device to perform like standard electronic storage devices. According to Hihath, “The information in our DNA is stored as metal ions that coordinate with specific bases. Changing the gate voltage allows us to shift the pH near the DNA and control which ions bind — letting us write, read and erase data.”
The development of a stable and reusable device required years of research. The team used carbon nanotubes as small electrodes to hold individual DNA molecules in place. This design allowed the devices to operate for extended periods without degrading; tests showed they could be cycled 48 times while remaining readable.
“The biggest challenge was developing stable DNA-based devices,” Hihath said. “Our carbon nanotube architecture has made that possible.”
While practical applications may take time to develop fully, Hihath sees immediate potential for using this technology in sensing and molecular control applications.
“DNA could be used as a sensor where the presence of certain analytes triggers a chemical reaction that modifies its electronic properties,” he said. “It opens up possibilities in organic chemistry, drug discovery, catalysis and beyond.”
The ability to electronically control chemical reactions at the single-molecule level could change how nanoscale materials and smart systems are designed.
This project received funding from the National Science Foundation’s Growing Convergence Research program. It brought together experts from chemistry, nanotechnology, and electronic engineering.
“Working with this diverse group has opened us up to new ways of solving problems and thinking about them,” Hihath said. “It’s been a very rewarding experience.”
He added: “It shows we can make stable electronic devices out of DNA, do controlled single-molecule chemistry and read it out electronically. That’s a foundation for real-world DNA-based technologies — and sensing systems may be the first to emerge.”
Arizona State University continues efforts toward technological innovation through research partnerships such as its collaboration with Argos Vision on smart traffic cameras for Phoenix streets (https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/street-transportation/2420). The university has also been recognized as number one in innovation by U.S. News & World Report for eight consecutive years (https://news.asu.edu/20220911-university-news-asu-no-1-innovation-us-news-world-report-eighth-year?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=asu&utm_campaign=ASURankings&utm_term=USNWR), reflecting ongoing advancements across multiple fields.
