The present disclosure provides systems and methods that can provide portable, real-time accessible DNA memories. An example DNA-based data storage system includes a loading region configured to receive a plurality of DNA-based data storage elements in a suspension fluid and a plurality of microtubes disposed in a capture/release region. The microtubes are configured to capture and release the DNA-based data storage elements. The DNA-based data storage system also includes a linearization region configured to linearize the DNA-based data storage elements and a readout region with a readout device configured to provide information indicative of the respective DNA-based data storage elements.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a DNA nanostructure nanorobot comprising: a single stranded DNA scaffold strand of about 5,000 to 10,000 bases in length; a plurality of staple strands of DNA, wherein each staple strands are about 20 to 40 bases in length, wherein each staple strand has a unique sequence and is hybridized to a specific position on the DNA scaffold strand, wherein the plurality of staple strands hybridized to the DNA scaffold form a sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface; and one or more fastener strands of DNA, wherein the one or more fastener strands of DNA is capable of fastening the sheet into an origami structure.

Methods and compositions for bacterial production of pure single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) composed of custom sequence and size have been developed. The methods enable scalability and bio-orthogonality in applications of scaffolded DNA origami, offering one-step purification of large quantities of pure ssDNA amendable for immediate folding of DNA nanoparticles. The methods produce pure ssDNA directly from bacteria. In some embodiments the E. coli helper strain M13cp combined with a phagemid carrying only an f1 -origin allows for, without the need for additional purification from contaminating dsDNA. This system is useful for generalized circular ssDNA synthesis, and here is applied to the assembly of DNA nanoparticles folded both in vitro and direct from phage.

Reactive and modified M13 bacteriophages, and methods of making and using the same, are generally provided. The reactive M13 bacteriophage can include a alkyne functional group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophage can include a substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage. Dual-modified M13 bacteriophages are also generally provided, and can include a cancer-targeting substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage and a fluorescent group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophages can not only be employed as a fluorescent probe for cancer imaging, but also can be used as biomaterials for cell alignment and scaffolding.