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Imagene to Provide Twist With DNA Encapsulation Tech for Data Storage

NEW YORK – Twist Bioscience today announced it will obtain technology and services for storing digital data in DNA through French biopreservation firm Imagene.

Under the terms of the agreement, Imagene will provide DNAshell nucleic acid encapsulation technology and services to Twist. Financial and other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Imagene, based in Pessac, France, has developed DNAshell, a technology that stores desiccated DNA molecules in an inert, water- and oxygen-free atmosphere inside airtight, stainless steel capsules, enabling long-term storage of digital data encoded in DNA.

"This agreement with Imagene provides the next step in the continuum on DNA digital data storage and fits within our strategy to cover all aspects of the process efficiently to enable the development of DNA as a digital storage medium," Twist CEO Emily Leproust said in a statement. "We believe the DNAshell technology allows us to encapsulate the DNA-stored digital data securely, protecting it for eternity from any elements, including radiation, and eliminating the need for continued copying of digital data due to degradation experienced in other forms of storage today."

In May, Twist announced it has entered negotiations for a US government contract for DNA-based data storage.

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