DNA Hidden in a More Complex DNA, made into an “Ink”, Printed Digitally, Retrieved, and Positively Identified, Thus Furthering DNA Lock™ Technology

October 30, 2002 – Following the announcement in June of the new patented DNA Steganography by Bancroft and Clelland, of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the Bancroft laboratory has now succeeded in proving that the essential purpose of the patent, a “perfectly secure” mark, is not only theoretically possible, but practical too.

In August a “secret” authentication was hidden in a more complex DNA code. The material was then incorporated into a standard ink jet ink as supplied by one of the companies considering licensing the patent. This ink was then used in the standard ink jet printer employed by the company. A small mark printed on paper was then mailed to the laboratory, retrieved, and the hidden DNA decoded.

DNA is the key information molecule in living systems, since it carries the code that uniquely identifies humans or other types of organisms. Drs. Bancroft and Clelland of Mount Sinai have developed the technology, called DNA Lock™, that uses DNA biomolecules for secure marking of valuables or other documents. With DNA Lock™, a DNA authentication code is hidden so completely in an enormous assortment of other DNA molecules, that discovery and decoding by counterfeiters of the authentication DNA is virtually impossible. However, an authorized person, knowing the secret DNA keys that “unlock” the code, can readily read the authentication information. The concealed DNA code has now been incorporated into a marking ink or attached to valuables or documents.

Technology Transfer Group, TTG, is handling all commercial applications of this breakthrough technology worldwide, and plans to license manufacturers and systems developers for use in each of these various markets. The patent is applicable to many security areas: anti-theft, anti-counterfeiting, entry control, and product authentication.