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April 1, 2026Small0 citationsOpen Access

Large‐Scale Distribution of Physical Data Using DNA‐of‐Things Technology in Newspaper Printing

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FGFrancesca GranitoAGAndreas L. GimpelWSWendelin J. Stark

Key Points

  • The research aims to evaluate the scalability and reliability of DNA-of-Things technology for data distribution.
  • Encoded the German Basic Law in DNA and encapsulated it in silica nanoparticles.
  • Mixed the silica-encapsulated DNA with paraffin-based offset ink for printing.
  • Assessed the integrity and recoverability of DNA after printing by sequencing and decoding the data.
  • Demonstrated successful embedding of DNA data in newspaper ink for mass distribution.
  • Showed that DNA integrity was maintained after printing and could be reliably retrieved.
  • Proved that a small amount of DNA (14 femtograms) can effectively store and recover data.

Abstract

ABSTRACT DNA represents a promising solution for high‐density and long‐term data storage. In this study, we explore the scalability and robustness of DNA‐of‐Things (DoT) technology by embedding digital data encoded in silica‐encapsulated DNA in newspaper ink. In honor of the 75th anniversary of the German Basic Law the “Grundgesetz” was encoded in DNA, encapsulated in silica nanoparticles, and mixed with paraffin‐based offset ink for mass distribution in a newspaper with a circulation of over 500 000 copies of “The Süddeutsche Zeitung.” We assessed the integrity and recoverability of the DNA after printing by retrieving, sequencing, and decoding the embedded data. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity and scalability of DNA‐of‐things technology. As a proof of concept, the DNA was reliably stored in printed media and successfully retrieved from a single dot of ink containing approximately 14 femtograms of DNA.

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Cite This Study

Granito et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69cd7aa45652765b073a8011https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202511931
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