Can We Store Bitcoin Private Keys in Synthetic DNA for Long Term Cold Storage?

[gracreavix]

I’ve been really fascinated by this idea lately storing encrypted Bitcoin private keys or seed phrases in synthetic DNA. DNA has been nature’s way of encoding information for several years, and with how far DNA synthesis and storage technology seem to have come, it is already possible to encode everything from books to operating systems into DNA strands. So why not Bitcoin private keys?

The concept is to take your encrypted private key or BIP39 mnemonic, convert it into a DNA sequence (A, T, G, C), synthesize it, and store it securely maybe sealed in silica and kept dry in a vault. When you need to recover your keys, you sequence the DNA, decode it back into digital form, decrypt it, and access your Bitcoin. This could be a truly air gapped, physical form of cold storage that lasts for thousands of years.

I find this amazing because DNA can last so long if stored properly far longer than paper wallets, metal plates, or USB drives. Plus, it is ultra compact and doesn’t require power or electronics to maintain the data. The fact that it is such a novel medium for storing Bitcoin keys also feels like an added layer of security.

But I know there are challenges like the cost and complexity of DNA synthesis and sequencing, error correction, and the privacy risks if the DNA is linked to biological data. Still, the possibilities are mind blowing. Time locked DNA vaults for multi generational inheritance or digital wills, for example, sound like science fiction but maybe they’re the future.

If you want to check out a related idea, here’s a link I found interesting:
Came across this and thought it was really interesting, it talks about storing crypto wallet private keys in synthetic DNA, by DATANA.

I’m really curious does anyone here have more experience or knowledge about encoding data into DNA for things like Bitcoin keys? What do y’ll think about the technical and privacy challenges? Are there better methods or materials? I would love to hear your thoughts and learn more about this.

[Ambatman]

I'd rather use Stainless Steel. To be sincere this doesn't appeal to me one bit
Too complex and not worth the work when we have titanium that's cheaper and can survive harsher condition.
I don't want a storage that can last a millennia or even a century.
I'm good with couple of decades and update if still alive. Not forgetting backups.


Nice discovery. But I don't feel it.

[Mia Chloe]

I’ve been really fascinated by this idea lately storing encrypted Bitcoin private keys or seed phrases in synthetic DNA. DNA has been nature’s way of encoding information for several years, and with how far DNA synthesis and storage technology seem to have come, it is already possible to encode everything from books to operating systems into DNA strands. So why not Bitcoin private keys?

On a very serious and practical note even if there was a way to do that I wouldn't even consider it at all. While trying to secure your seed it is best to always remain as simple as possible even if you are trying to encrypt the seed phrase this is because of situations  we've seen online where people become unable to decrypt their seed phrase back to the original form sometimes because they can't remember the encryption method or because it was too complex.

Honestly there is actually nothing as good as the good old paper wallet both matters the most is how you are saving your seed phrase and how secure your storage is and also how private it is. Privacy matters because no one will go looking for a seed phrase if they don't know it there.

[Forsyth Jones]

I confess this subject is a bit complex, but I will try to discorrer it...

This is the beauty of Bitcoin: Bitcoin is binary data (more precisely, a sequence of bits), binary data is therefore cryptographic, and encrypted data can be stored on paper, electronically, or by any other means that may exist that allows the stored data to be obtained.

As long as the owner of the backup knows what he is doing, he diversifies the backups, storing them on traditional paper or electronically (encrypted, cold storage), steel, or whatever.

It doesn't matter which method you adopt, unless you know very well how it works and don't give the passphrase to people who might betray your trust.

[Agbamoni]

Actually i don't agree that there is any perfect way to store our private keys but the OG's has a way, and i feel it is the safest that i know of. Similar to what Ambatman said, punch it in stainless steel or titanium, not even the worst house fire will burn it away.

Also, you can create a new wallet using BIP39-passphrase, it is like a salt in the key derivation function and required to access your wallet. That way they can't steal your bitcoin even if they had access to your seed phrase.

[BitMaxz]

You just make things more complicated if you store your seed phrase or keys into synthetic DNA which is pretty expensive based on what I heard.
The suggestion above would be much better and cheaper. Titanium steel is way better and can't rust, unlike stainless steel, but if you know how to store it, it can't rust for decades, or you can just use a silica gel to protect it from moisture.

Don't forget Cryptosteel as a sample of metal to store seed phrases. Having 3 to 5 silica gel packets and hiding them in a dry place is a perfect protection to store our seed for a long period of time.

[HeRetiK]

I find this amazing because DNA can last so long if stored properly far longer than paper wallets, metal plates, or USB drives.

Can it though? Paper wallets and USB drives, sure, but metal plates? DNA decays pretty easily unless you go through extensive measures to preserve it and even then it will become unusuable within a couple of millions of years. I don't see how a private key written in metal or stone couldn't outlast a private key written in DNA. Even the size advantage of DNA is moot based on the need for infrastructure to keep it somewhat stable.

What I love about this concept though is that it opens up the possibility of storing arbitrary data in living beings. If we find a way to keep the payload safe from mutation we could encode any sort of information into generations of future lifeforms. Probably not private keys though, because the data would be pretty much public.

[satscraper]

I’m really curious does anyone here have more experience or knowledge about encoding data into DNA for things like Bitcoin keys?

Phantasy advertising.

I don't think anyone will do that. This kind of technique requires highly sophisticated equipment and specific environment which includes strict biosafety controls, contamination prevention, environmental controls, and more. All of these requirements are far beyond what home user could afford. As for third-party services that might offer this kind of work, I doubt anyone would be willing to hand over their seed phrase to them.

[suzanne5223]

I'd rather use Stainless Steel. To be sincere this doesn't appeal to me one bit
Too complex and not worth the work when we have titanium that's cheaper and can survive harsher condition.
I don't want a storage that can last a millennia or even a century.
I'm good with couple of decades and update if still alive. Not forgetting backups.


Nice discovery. But I don't feel it.

Aside from the complexity of the synthetic DNA, the definition of secure storage of Bitcoin is never to trust another party but in the case of the synthetic DNA scientists are involved and they could design the synthesize DNA sequences in away that will have a back door which will give them access to the wallet private keys just like Sam Bankman-Fried did with the FTX user funds.

About the storage wallet private information. The stainless steel and titanium are good options, but if you must use stainless steel, make sure it is austenitic steel types with grade 316L, which has a lower carbon content, more resistant to sulphuric salt, has a more significant level of intergranular corrosion resistance, and also the more desirable stainless steel for maritime applications.

[Forsyth Jones]

Actually i don't agree that there is any perfect way to store our private keys but the OG's has a way, and i feel it is the safest that i know of. Similar to what Ambatman said, punch it in stainless steel or titanium, not even the worst house fire will burn it away.

Also, you can create a new wallet using BIP39-passphrase, it is like a salt in the key derivation function and required to access your wallet. That way they can't steal your bitcoin even if they had access to your seed phrase.

I agree, the BIP39 seed can be stored in the oldest technological instrument in the world (after fire and spears): paper... or if you want to guarantee greater resilience and durability: stainless steel or titanium.

I see no problem in saving the passphrase in an offline password manager like keepass, since the passphrase would be protected in the database by the master password.

These and other schemes are far simpler, more realistic, and sufficient than trying to submit your seed (or any other private data) in a synthetic DNA. Never depend on a single backup scheme.

[Cricktor]

I don't quite see a point in storing private keys in DNA (it obviously needs to be synthetic), besides the exotic idea.

Almost nobody has realistically the required equipment to produce sufficient amounts of such DNA storage, nor automated sequencers to read or decode the synthetic DNA. Send your private keys to a lab, well, no way! Encrypt your private keys and then send your stuff to a lab? Well, possible... Do you trust the lab? You would have to verify what they produced. How do you backup your encryption key?
Endless hassles.

DNA is quite stable, but it will denaturate at modest high temperatures. You remember what happens when you boil an egg!

Oh and some bacteria and fungi might like your synthetic DNA as food. Good luck with your "storage medium" when it has been digested. Even more hassles to keep it sterile.

No, thank you, I'll pass.

[ABCbits]

While it's true DNA supposed to last much longer than digital storage drive or physical, it seems people also assume ways to read/write DNA data will remain same in very long time. Today, you need specialized device to do that which is costly and likely rely on the company support if something gone wrong. In the future, it probably will be more accessible. But don't expect future DNA reader/writer is designed to be backward compatible.