Genetic code for labeling goods and criminals
Barcodes and QR codes used to label everything from T-shirts in clothing stores to car engines could soon be replaced by a DNA-based labeling system that is invisible to the naked eye and cannot be removed or counterfeited.
In an article published in Nature Communications, scientists from the University of Washington and Microsoft presented molecular labeling systemIs called porcupine. According to the researchers. It will be difficult for criminals to identify and then remove or change DNA tag valuable or vulnerable items such as ballot papers, works of art or classified documents.
In addition, they claim that their solution, unlike most alternative markers, is cost effective. "Using DNA to label objects has been difficult in the past because writing and reading it is typically very costly and time-consuming, and requires expensive laboratory equipment," the study's lead author at the University of Washington graduate student told AFP. Katy Doroshchak.
Porcupine allows you to create DNA fragments in advancethat users are free to create new tags. The Porcupine labeling scheme is based on the use of a set of DNA strands called molecular bits, or "molbits" for short, according to a press release from the University of Washington.
“To encode an identifier, we combine each digital bit with a molbit,” Doroschak explains. “If the digital bit is 1, we add it to the tag, and if it is 0, we ignore it. This is followed by drying of the DNA strands until they are ready for subsequent decoding. Once the product is labeled, it can be shipped or stored.” When someone wants to read the mark, moisturizing and reading with nanoporous sequencer, the DNA reader is smaller than the iPhone.
Unlike existing object marking systems, in addition to protection, the DNA-based method can also mark objects that would be difficult to barcode.
“It is not possible to mark cotton or other textiles with conventional methods such as RFID tags and, but you can use a fog-readable DNA-based identifier, ”Doroshchak believes. “This can be used in supply chains where traceability is important to maintain product value.”
DNA labeling this is not a new concept, but so far it has been known mainly from the work of the police fighting criminals. There are products like Select DNA Marking spray, used to deter and prevent personal attacks and other criminal activities. This is useful in the case of crimes committed by criminals on mopeds and motorcycles. The aerosol marks the cars, clothing and skin of all drivers and passengers with uniquely coded but invisible DNA that provides forensic evidence linking perpetrators to the crime.
Another solution known as DNA Guardian, uses harmless to health, uniquely coded, detectable UV light a stain that remains on skin and clothing for several weeks. The administration is similar to the SelectaDNA labeling spray.
