Protecting cells at the genetic level and simulating unauthorized access via a biohackathon
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The protection of high-value cell lines (assets) relies on physical security by limiting access to samples. We present a cybersecurity-inspired platform that protects biological assets at the genetic level. This technology uses a permutation lock design where an asset can only be decrypted using an authentication code r from a search space composed of n objects on a defined keypad. Here, the genetic asset is designed as a scrambled DNA sequence, and the code is a temporal pattern of small molecules that regulate sets of recombinases that can unscramble a DNA sequence into the desired final sequence. In this work, a “blue team” designed and built an encrypted (scrambled) DNA sequence, and a “red team” sought to break the code through an ethical hacking exercise. Two iterations of testing revealed a 0.2% (2 in 990) chance of gaining access to the asset by random search, which is on par with the theoretical goal of 0.1% (1 in 990).
Source: Science Advances
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: GCR: Biomolecular Systems Engineering - Unlocking the Potential of Biological Programming, G2447830155, URoL:ASC: Next-Generation Biological Security and Bio-Hackathon, MFB: Novel Graph Neural Networks to Understand, Predict, and Design Allosteric Transcription Factors, Domesticating and Mapping Interactions of the Human Gastrointestinal Microbiome
OpenAlex ID: W7147341782