Weida Chen

Title: Weida Chen: Innovator in Data Storage Technologies

Introduction

Weida Chen is a prominent inventor based in Zurich, Switzerland. He has made significant contributions to the field of data storage technologies, holding a total of five patents. His innovative work focuses on utilizing synthetic DNA for encoding digital information, which has the potential to revolutionize data storage methods.

Latest Patents

One of Weida Chen's latest patents is titled "Silica Encapsulated DNA on Magnetic Nanoparticles." This invention discloses a data storage medium that comprises a substrate covered with alternating layers of a polycationic molecule and artificially synthesized DNA molecules. The magnetic substrate may consist of metallic nanoparticles formed from metals such as iron or cobalt. The use of polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the polycationic molecule protects the DNA from degradation through silica encapsulation. Additionally, the patent outlines a process for stably storing DNA, which can be freed from the silica for sequencing or analysis by washing it with a buffered hydrogen fluoride solution. This method achieves storage densities of more than 7% DNA by weight on nanoparticles.

Another notable patent by Chen is focused on "Enzymatic DNA Repair." This invention utilizes one or more enzymes to repair damage in synthetic DNA molecules that encode digital information. The repair mixture includes various enzymes such as DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, and T4 Endonuclease, among others. By incubating the synthetic DNA molecules with the repair mixture for approximately four hours, the digital information can be recovered from damaged DNA molecules.

Career Highlights

Weida Chen is currently employed at Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, where he continues to develop innovative solutions in data storage. His work has garnered attention for its potential applications in various industries, particularly in enhancing data reliability and longevity.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Weida Chen has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Alexander Xavier Christof Kohll and Karin Strauss. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of his research and the successful development of his patents.

Conclusion

Weida Chen's innovative contributions to data storage technologies highlight the importance of synthetic DNA in encoding digital information. His patents reflect a commitment to advancing the field and offer promising solutions for future data storage challenges.