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Hybridization-encoded DNA tags with paper-based readout for anti-forgery raw material tracking

Author

Listed:
  • Jiaming Li

    (Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering)

  • Alex Crown

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Peter Ney

    (Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering)

  • Sergey Yekhanin

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Aditi Partap

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Anuja Shirole

    (Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering)

  • Huiting Jiang

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Sagan Russ

    (Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering)

  • Max Gordon

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Adaora Aroh

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Jeff Nivala

    (Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering)

  • Anirudh Badam

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Vaishnavi Ranganathan

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Karin Strauss

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Ranveer Chandra

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Yuan-Jyue Chen

    (Microsoft Research)

Abstract

Tracking and tracing raw materials is crucial for securing global supply chains. Conventional methods like barcodes and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are effective but fall short in ensuring raw material traceability and anti-counterfeiting. This work introduces DNA as a powerful tool for source tracking, leveraging its invisibility, safety, and seamless product integration. We present DNATags–engineered DNA mixtures enabling product labeling with error tolerance–readable in the field via paper tickets that fluoresce under a mobile phone and filter device. Additionally, DNATrack employs DNA Hybridization Encoding (HyEn) for enhanced anti-forgery security. Although current costs are higher ($2-$4 per read and write), declining DNA synthesis costs, along with DNA’s unique advantages, make this approach a promising solution for future supply chain management.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiaming Li & Alex Crown & Peter Ney & Sergey Yekhanin & Aditi Partap & Anuja Shirole & Huiting Jiang & Sagan Russ & Max Gordon & Adaora Aroh & Jeff Nivala & Anirudh Badam & Vaishnavi Ranganathan & Kar, 2025. "Hybridization-encoded DNA tags with paper-based readout for anti-forgery raw material tracking," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60282-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60282-7
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