Advances and Challenges in Random Access Techniques for In Vitro DNA Data Storage

With digital transformation and the general application of new technologies, data storage is facing new challenges with the demand for high-density loading of massive information. In response, DNA storage technology has emerged as a promising research direction. Efficient and reliable data retrieval is critical for DNA storage, and the development of random access technology plays a key role in its practicality and reliability. However, achieving fast and accurate random access functions has proven difficult for existing DNA storage efforts, which limits its practical applications in industry. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in DNA storage technology that enable random access functionality, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome and the current solutions. This review aims to help researchers in the field of DNA storage better understand the importance of the random access step and its impact on the overall development of DNA storage. Furthermore, the remaining challenges and future research trends in random access technology of DNA storage are discussed, with the goal of providing a solid foundation for achieving random access in DNA storage under large-scale data conditions.