DNA as Data Storage with Vijay Pande

Sequencing vs. Synthesis

DNA sequencing and synthesis are pivotal in genomics, yet they progress at different paces. Vijay Pande explains that sequencing, or reading DNA, has advanced rapidly due to technologies like shotgun sequencing, which simplifies the process by breaking DNA into smaller pieces 1. Synthesis, or writing DNA, remains complex and costly, lacking an equivalent breakthrough. This bottleneck affects synthetic biology, where the ability to write DNA efficiently is crucial for innovations like RNA vaccines 1.

In the genomics field, reading actually is, in the end, a lot easier than writing, in part due to a variety of very clever technologies.

--- Vijay Pande

Despite challenges, companies are striving to achieve a Moore's Law-like reduction in synthesis costs, which could unlock significant advancements in synthetic biology 2.

   

Market Development

The market for DNA technology is evolving, with numerous companies exploring innovative approaches. Vijay Pande highlights the potential for breakthroughs akin to Moore's Law in DNA synthesis, which could drastically reduce costs and accelerate advancements in synthetic biology 3. This progress is essential for applications like CRISPR and the production of materials such as spider silk, which has been genetically engineered to be stronger than steel 2.

There's been a decrease, but maybe not a true exponential decrease. And so if we can do that, that feels like one of the last big unlocks in synthetic biology.

--- Vijay Pande

The combination of market maturation and technological innovation is setting the stage for a new era in biotech, driven by human determination and creativity 3.