At the heart of this breakthrough is the visionary work led by Professor Zhongping YAO, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at PolyU. His collaborative team includes Dr. Cheuk-chi NG and Professor Chung-Ming Francis LAU, blending expertise from protein engineering, synthetic biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and computer science. Their recent findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, detail the unprecedented realization of a full cycle—from digital data encoding and protein expression via living cells to data retrieval through sophisticated mass spectrometric analysis—in de novo designed unnatural proteins. This accomplishment highlights proteins as a sustainable and scalable medium with remarkable longevity and functional versatility.

Digital information, inherently binary, is conventionally stored as sequences of 0s and 1s within electronic or magnetic media. Translating such data into molecular formats involves encoding binary strings into sequences of monomer units in macromolecules. DNA has long served as a prototype molecule for this purpose due to its natural information storage capabilities; however, it suffers from several intrinsic limitations, such as containing only four nucleotide monomer types, which confines storage density, alongside its susceptibility to chemical and enzymatic degradation. Previous work by Prof. Yao’s group explored peptides—polymers of amino acids—as alternative carriers. Peptides benefit from the availability of 20 natural amino acid monomers and a host of non-natural analogs, facilitating higher information density and increased molecular stability. Nevertheless, peptides’ relatively short sequences and costly chemical synthesis restricted their usability for large-scale data storage applications.

Expanding on this foundation, the team’s innovative leap involves harnessing full-length proteins as data storage media. Unlike peptides, proteins possess vastly longer sequences of amino acids, which drastically elevates potential storage density and efficiency. Moreover, proteins can be biosynthesized enzymatically within living cells, such as genetically engineered Escherichia coli strains, circumventing expensive chemical syntheses and enabling mass production at scale. Proteins also demonstrate enhanced stability during storage, whether in dry powdered forms or aqueous solutions, sometimes enduring conditions that degrade DNA swiftly. This combination fosters a sustainable, cost-effective platform primed for the demands of future data-intensive landscapes.

However, transitioning to protein-based data storage involves surmounting formidable challenges. First, the data-encoded amino acid sequences typically manifest as highly irregular and non-naturally evolved patterns, which often impair protein folding, solubility, and stability, complicating both design and expression within host organisms. Second, contemporary protein sequencing techniques primarily aim to identify proteins by matching partial sequences to known databases rather than reconstructing entire sequences—yet full-length sequence retrieval is imperative to accurately decode embedded digital information. The PolyU team confronted these hurdles with originality and ingenuity.

Drawing inspiration from collagen’s biophysical properties—an archetypal natural protein famed for its striking stability and longevity—the researchers engineered a collagen-like protein scaffold to serve as a robust backbone. This scaffold enhances structural integrity and resists chemical degradation, providing an ideal framework for incorporating data-encoding segments within its architecture. Through precise genetic engineering, these bespoke sequences were inserted into the collagen template, enabling successful expression of the hybrid protein constructs in E. coli. Such bio-fabrication methodologies mark a crucial advance, marrying synthetic biology with information technology.

Subsequent data retrieval involved enzymatic digestion of the expressed proteins into smaller peptide fragments, followed by comprehensive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. This analytical regimen allowed discrete peptide sequences to be identified with high resolution. The mass spectrometric data were then processed using specially developed algorithmic software capable of assembling full-length protein sequences from overlapping peptide fragments. This sophisticated bioinformatics pipeline also incorporated error-correcting codes to rectify minor sequence ambiguities, collectively ensuring that the original digital bit strings could be reconstructed with remarkable accuracy, thereby validating the feasibility of the entire storage-retrieval cycle.

The superiority of protein-based storage solutions was further underscored by comparative analyses with previously developed peptide-based systems, which had already demonstrated notable stability under conditions relevant to space exploration missions in China’s next-generation manned spacecraft. Prof. Yao emphasized that “the protein samples in our research achieved 30 times the storage density at only 10% of the cost of the peptide-based method.” Additionally, unlike DNA that rapidly degrades in acidic environments or aqueous solutions, protein samples remained intact and readable after protracted periods, underscoring their exceptional chemical resilience.

Beyond basic data encoding, the team advanced the concept of “functionalizing” these proteins to implement random data access and cryptographic protections. Traditional molecular storage systems require decoding the entire data set to extract specific information segments—a process that is inefficient and inflexible. By grafting specific affinity tags onto data-bearing proteins, the researchers enabled selective binding and isolation of targeted sequences via corresponding antibodies, permitting random access to discrete data portions without full dataset decoding. Moreover, embedding encrypted messages into these proteins and selectively recovering them only with predefined affinity compounds demonstrated an innovative approach to molecular-level data encryption, underscoring the potential for secure information storage at the biochemical scale.

Professor Yao highlighted the broader implications of protein-based data storage: “Their inherent biocompatibility implies the intriguing prospect of embedding digital archives within living organisms, opening new frontiers in biological data integration.” This prospect invites visionary applications spanning bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and personalized medicine, where biological systems could not only process but inherently retain digital information. The research team envisages next-generation endeavors targeting mass storage scalability, acceleration of data writing and reading processes, reduction of biosynthetic costs, and diversification of protein scaffolds to incorporate additional functionalities and improved performance parameters.

This pioneering work intersects multiple high-impact disciplines, spanning protein engineering, synthetic biology, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, and computer science. Beyond pushing the scientific envelope, it addresses a pressing societal need precipitated by the deluge of AI-generated data worldwide. Supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council through the Collaborative Research Fund and Research Impact Fund, this breakthrough represents a beacon of innovation in sustainable, ultra-dense molecular data storage technologies.

Subject of Research: Protein-based molecular data storage and retrieval using engineered collagen-like proteins expressed via E. coli.

Article Title: Data storage and retrieval with unnatural proteins expressed via E. coli

News Publication Date: 28-Feb-2026

Web References:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70061-7
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-70061-7

Image Credits: polyu

Keywords

Proteins, Data storage, Collagen, Artificial intelligence, Sequence analysis, Biochemistry

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are essential components of solar power systems, converting sunlight directly into electricity. Over the past decades, numerous research efforts have been dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of these cells, which is paramount for the broader adoption of solar energy technologies globally. The achievement of 33.89% power-conversion efficiency signifies a pivotal shift, reflecting years of meticulous research and development in the field.

The research team under the leadership of Professor Tiong Y. Lee at PolyU utilized a multi-junction solar cell architecture to surpass previous efficiency records. Multi-junction cells consist of several layers of semiconductor materials, each optimized to capture different segments of the solar spectrum. This design allows for significant absorption of sunlight, maximizing the energy conversion process. The innovative stacking of these layers enables the solar cell to convert a broader range of wavelengths into usable energy, leading to the unprecedented efficiency figure.

The journey to this achievement was marked by extensive trials and experiments. Researchers examined various material combinations and fabrication techniques to enhance the performance of the solar cells. Among the materials tested were gallium arsenide and silicon, both of which have shown promise in previous studies. The meticulous attention to the material properties and the engineering of the cell structure was crucial in realizing this breakthrough efficiency level, setting a new standard in solar technology.

Environmental sustainability has been a focal point of this research. The enhanced solar cells not only promise greater energy efficiency but also contribute to reduced carbon emissions and environmental footprints when integrated into larger solar power systems. As the world seeks sustainable solutions to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the implications of this research extend beyond just technological advancements; it symbolizes a significant step towards a greener future.

Moreover, the implications of achieving such high efficiency are compounded when considering the global energy crisis. The growing demand for renewable energy sources necessitates rapid advancements in solar technology that can deliver higher energy outputs while minimizing costs. The results from PolyU suggest that not only is it feasible to produce more efficient solar cells, but that such innovations can lead to a more affordable and accessible energy solution for millions worldwide.

In addition to the immediate benefits regarding efficiency and production, this research opens doors to further inquiries and developments in the field of photovoltaic technology. Future research initiatives can build upon the findings from PolyU, exploring novel materials and manufacturing processes to push efficiency even further. The potential for collaboration with industry players and policymakers could also facilitate quicker integration of these advanced technologies into the market.

One of the key features that contributed to the success of this research was the use of advanced computational modeling and simulation techniques. These methods allowed scientists to predict the behaviors and efficiencies of various structures and compositions before actual fabrication. The analytical data derived from simulations aided in choosing the optimal configurations that ultimately led to the record-breaking efficiency rate.

Additionally, the research team’s multidisciplinary approach combined expertise from fields such as materials science, electrical engineering, and environmental studies. This collaboration permitted a comprehensive understanding of the challenges present in solar technology, ensuring that this project not only fostered innovation but also addressed broader issues related to sustainability and practicality.

Importantly, reaching this record efficiency is not merely a numerical achievement; it represents hope and inspiration for ongoing research in solar technology. The record is expected to inspire other researchers and institutions to pursue even more ambitious goals in solar energy production. By continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible, the global scientific community remains poised to tackle the energy challenges of the future.

As the world progressively shifts towards renewable energy sources, the work undertaken by the PolyU researchers provides a beacon of hope. This achievement signifies not just a technological triumph but a reaffirmation of the potential for science and innovation to resolve some of the most pressing challenges humanity faces today. It sends a clear message: with dedication, collaboration, and creativity, the potential for advancements in solar technology—and indeed, renewable energy solutions as a whole—remains vast.

In conclusion, the 33.89% power-conversion efficiency achieved by PolyU researchers is a landmark accomplishment that could dramatically influence the trajectory of solar energy technologies. By overcoming significant barriers and setting new benchmarks for efficiency, this research could facilitate the transition to sustainable energy sources on a global scale. The implications of this breakthrough are profound, promising not only improved technological capabilities but also a commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Subject of Research: Solar technology, power-conversion efficiency
Article Title: PolyU research overcomes major obstacle to solar technology development, achieving record 33.89% power-conversion efficiency in solar cells
News Publication Date: [Insert Date]
Web References: [Insert URL]
References: [Insert References]
Image Credits: [Insert Image Credits]

Keywords

Solar cells, solar energy, power-conversion efficiency, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, photovoltaic technology.