DNA Data Storage on Two-Dimensional Support Material Patent Grant
Summary
The USPTO granted Patent US12595474B2 to Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC for a DNA-based data storage medium utilizing two-dimensional support structures. The invention comprises synthetic DNA molecules encoding digital information placed on metal foil, glass, or plastic supports, protected by silica or metal encapsulation layers. The patent enables geometric addressability for selective access to specific digital information stored in DNA format.
What changed
The USPTO issued Patent US12595474B2 to Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC on April 7, 2026, covering a data storage system using artificially synthesized DNA molecules on two-dimensional support structures. The patent discloses materials including metal foil, glass, or plastic substrates functionalized with positively charged molecules for improved DNA adhesion, protected by non-reactive encapsulation layers such as silica or thin metal. The system enables correlation of specific DNA molecules with physical storage locations for selective data retrieval.
This patent grant establishes intellectual property rights for Microsoft in DNA-based digital data storage technology. Competitors developing similar DNA data storage solutions may need to design around this patent or seek licensing. The patent does not impose immediate compliance obligations but creates potential licensing requirements or design constraints for parties operating in the DNA data storage technology space.
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Apr 7, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
DNA data storage on two-dimensional support material
Grant US12595474B2 Kind: B2 Apr 07, 2026
Assignee
MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
Inventors
Karin Strauss, Bichlien Hoang Nguyen, Robert N. Grass, Alexander Xavier Christof Kohll, Weida Chen
Abstract
A data storage medium is disclosed comprising a two-dimensional (2D) support structure onto which artificially synthesized DNA molecules encoding digital information are placed and then covered with a protective layer. The 2D support structure is formed from a material such as metal foil, glass, or plastic. The 2D support structure may be functionalized with positively charged molecules to improve DNA adhesion. The DNA is protected from degradation by encapsulation in a protective layer of a non-reactive material such as silica or a thin layer of metal. A process for storing DNA on 2D support structures is also disclosed. Correlation of specific DNA molecules with a physical storage location on a 2D support structure provides geometric addressability for selective access to specific digital information.
CPC Classifications
C12N 15/1006 C12Q 1/6806 C12Q 1/6811
Filing Date
2022-09-27
Application No.
17935896
Claims
20
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