Cryptobiological Structures: DNA as Encrypted Storage Medium

Dr. Elena Rossi, Prof. Kenji Sato

Abstract We present a novel method for encoding encrypted data within synthetic DNA sequences using codon redundancy and steganographic techniques. Our approach enables high-density, biologically stable data storage with built-in cryptographic security, effectively turning DNA into a “living hard drive” that can only be deciphered with a molecular key.

DNA’s inherent density and longevity make it an ideal candidate for long-term data archival. However, previous DNA storage methods have treated the molecule as a passive binary medium, overlooking the potential for leveraging biological features for encryption.

Our system uses synonymous codons—triplets that encode the same amino acid—to represent encrypted bits. By assigning meaning to codon choice, we embed ciphertext within otherwise functional genetic sequences. The resulting DNA can be inserted into living cells, where it remains stable across generations, hidden in plain sight.

Decryption requires both sequencing and a cryptographic key that maps codon variants to the original message. Without the key, the DNA appears as a normal, non-coding region, providing plausible deniability and resistance to brute-force attacks.

We demonstrate successful encoding and retrieval of text, images, and even executable code in E. coli and yeast, with error rates below 10^-9 per nucleotide after 100 cell divisions.