DNA and Semiconductor Create Ultra-Low-Power Memory Device

Scientists have developed a memory device that combines synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with a semiconductor, reducing power consumption by one hundred times compared to traditional storage. This bio-hybrid technology could enhance the energy efficiency of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and next-generation computers. The research, published in *Advanced Functional Materials*, details how this approach bridges biological and electronic domains.

The team created a memory resistor, or memristor, using synthetic DNA and crystalline perovskite. Perovskite is a semiconductor found in solar cells and other technologies. Unlike standard resistors, memristors retain information about past electrical activity even without continuous power. This allows for data storage and processing in the same location, mimicking the brain's neural functions.

The synthetic DNA is made from chemically engineered molecules arranged into short genetic sequences. These sequences are tailored for specific electronic needs. Natural DNA is long and entangled, but synthetic DNA pieces are short and rigid. This allows for precise arrangement at very small scales. The researchers doped the DNA with silver nanoparticles, enabling it to conduct electricity and align its molecular units more orderly.

When combined, the silver-doped DNA and perovskite formed bio-hybrid pathways. These pathways directed electrical current through the device. The device operated reliably with less than 0.1 volt. It also responded predictably to changes in current direction. This new system performed memory functions with one-tenth the power of comparable technologies.

The carefully designed DNA structures and perovskite also made the device stable. It functioned consistently at temperatures near 250 degrees Fahrenheit. It remained operational at room temperature for over six weeks. This performance exceeds existing perovskite-based memory storage devices. This efficiency is important for future electronics that handle large amounts of information with lower energy demands.

This research was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, Penn State, and the University of Minnesota. Researchers plan to further improve the technology. They will also explore additional uses for bio-inspired electronic systems.