Harvard researchers develop silicon chip that writes DNA sequences

Scientists have engineered a silicon chip that can write dozens of DNA sequences at once by harnessing electricity and water‑based enzymes, presenting a cleaner alternative to traditional chemical DNA synthesis. The device integrates microfluidic channels with electronic control, allowing precise delivery of nucleotides and enzymatic reactions without the hazardous reagents typically used in laboratory settings.

The technology’s ability to produce multiple strands simultaneously opens possibilities for portable DNA‑writing tools and large‑scale DNA data‑storage systems, though further development of novel chemistries will be required to increase throughput and reliability for commercial applications. Researchers anticipate that, with continued refinement, the chip could transform both biomedical manufacturing and information storage by making DNA synthesis more efficient and environmentally sustainable.