From megabytes to molecules: The usage of DNA computing for storage and its implications on the future

It is more important now than ever to develop more effective data storage techniques in the constantly advancing field of computers. Due to their limits in terms of durability, information density, and physical space requirements, current storage technologies, such as magnetic and optical media, are finding it difficult to keep up with the global demand for data storage, which is expected to exceed 175 trillion gigabytes by 2025. Nature’s own method of storing genetic information for a long time, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), provides great data density, stability, and endurance, making it a viable solution to address this issue. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of DNA computing’s current state - mainly its trajectory towards becoming a viable alternative to traditional storage methods - highlighting the history, current developments/challenges, and future prospects.