Random number generation for DNA-based security circuitry

Background

Traditional silicon-based circuits have an inherent issue in that looking at the physical layout of their components can reproduce them. In order to help alleviate this problem, DNA computing, which borrows from the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology, can be used to produce dynamic computing systems. Full-blown DNA computing will require a paradigm shift in circuitry design. As a first step, we present a technique for random number generation incorporating technologies currently in use.

Methods

A DNA-based approach for the equivalent of a digital random number circuitry can be accomplished using a number of techniques borrowed from high throughput sequencing. The proposed novel prototype schema employs solid-phase synthesis of oligonucleotides for random construction of DNA sequences. Temporary storage and retrieval is achieved through the use of plasmid vectors. The resulting DNA sequences can be converted to their digital counterparts using a simple base-4 to base-2 number system conversion.