On May 15, 2026, PolyU Science researchers have pioneered a method that uses engineered proteins to store digital data and, for the first time, completed the full process from data storage to data retrieval in de novo designed unnatural proteins.

This demonstrates the potential of establishing a protein-based storage framework with sustainability, high storage capacity and high stability, offering a promising solution to the explosive AI-generated growth in data globally.

Spanning the fields of protein engineering, synthetic biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry and computer science, the interdisciplinary team is led by Prof. Yao Zhongping, Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT). Other members include Dr Ng Cheuk-chi, Research Assistant Professor of ABCT, and Prof. Francis Lau Chung-ming, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Engineering and Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The findings have been published in Nature Communications.