Cabling DNA-based archival storage systems through microfluidic networks

In recent past solutions have been proposed that envision archival systems exploiting DNA to store large amount of digital data with very high density and very long durability. In fact, based on the existing technologies for both DNA synthesis and sequencing, techniques have been proposed for encoding/decoding digital data in strands as well as for enabling random access to the DNA storage system. In this paper we explore the problem from another perspective, that is, the possibility of moving DNA sequences storing digital data from one storage element to another. More specifically, we will investigate on the feasibility of exploiting discrete microfluidic to this goal. Accordingly, we will consider the case in which DNA molecules are contained in droplets and droplets are moved in controlled manner by leveraging pure hydrodynamic switching techniques we have recently developed. The main characteristics of the resulting microfluidic network will be described and some preliminary results will be shown.