Encoding information into polymers

Defined-sequence polymers have great potential as durable and high-density data-storage media. DNA already fulfils this role in nature, using the sequence of its four nucleobases to store genetic information. Synthetic DNA can be used to store binary codes, and it is both more durable and can store information at a much higher density than conventional silicon-based storage systems. Other defined-sequence synthetic polymers have properties that make them even more suitable for data storage, at least in principle, assuming that complete control over their composition, that is, their monomer sequence, can be achieved. This Review addresses the current status of data storage in DNA, proteins and synthetic polymers, with the objective to overcome the problems of current data storage technology. Large increases in the amount of information produced year on year motivate the development of new storage media. This Review addresses the current status of data storage at the level of single polymer chains: in DNA, proteins and synthetic polymers.