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

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, Karin Strauss, Ranveer Chandra and Yuan-Jyue Chen ()
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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

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60282-7

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