Research advances in DNA cryptography: integration with cloud computing, internet of things, and DNA computing

The systematic review provides insights into advancements in DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) cryptography, with respect to its growing integration with cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and DNA computing environments, based on published peer-reviewed articles from 2006 to 2025, per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews)-2020 guidelines. The review screened, categorized, and synthesized 117 peer-reviewed articles. There is considerable overlap and consistent trends across the reviewed articles. For example, chaotic-DNA encryption schemes are known to exhibit strong diffusion properties and are a popular (the most widely adopted) choice for protecting data on cloud platforms. The hybrid of DNA and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) offers better security, efficiency, and reliability than either technology alone (cloud). Finally, DNA-encoded, lightweight encryption remains the most common choice for IoT deployments, as its low computational overhead suits these resource-constrained devices. Nevertheless, the current literature identifies significant gaps in investigating biological feasibility and in calibrating and validating attack models. In addition, existing research on DNA cryptography relies on simulation, with no established framework for the comparative assessment of hybrid or DNA encryption techniques. With this in mind, we suggest the creation of a comprehensive evaluation framework and future road map for research activities aimed at bridging the gap between the current computational models of DNA cryptography and the experimental validation and calibration of these models against the biological reality of DNA, thereby creating solutions for the establishment of more secure DNA-based encryption technology that can be deployed.