Achieving handle-level random access in an encrypted DNA archival storage system via frequency dictionary mapping coding

DNA storage provides a high storage density and durability, but current systems experience high latency and lack data security. This study proposed the use of frequency dictionary mapping coding (FDMC) to enable handle-level random access of DNA archival storage. In addition, a hybrid e-molecular encryption strategy and a multi-level error-correction algorithm were introduced to ensure data security and integrity. The simulation and wet experiment results demonstrated that FDMC achieved handle-level random access in a lossless encrypted DNA storage system, which balanced security and robustness. Even in extreme cases, in which there was a 10% loss of DNA sequences, this system still recovered 91.74% of the original data while ensuring a storage density above 1.80 bits per nucleotide. In summary, FDMC enhances the application potential of DNA as a storage medium and bridges the gap between DNA storage and traditional storage modes.