PATENT COOPERATION TREATY
`
`PCT
`
`INTERNATIONAL PRELIMJNARY REPORT ON PATENTABILITY
`[Chapter I of the Patent Cooperation Treaty]
`
`(PCT Rule 44bi5)
`
`..-'\pplicant"s or a gent’s File reference
`44854-738601
`
`FOR FURTHER ACTION
`
`See item 4 below
`
`international l'iiing date [(lay/triertth/yearjl
`international application _\o.
`22 February 2018 (22.02.2018)
`PCTIUS2018i'019268
`international Patent Classification (8th etlition unless older edition indicated)
`See relevant information in Form PCTtISAt23?
`
`Priority date {daytf'riiontlflvear")
`22 February 201? {22.02.2017}
`
`Applicant
`TWIST BIOSCIENCE CORPORATION
`
`iliis international preliminary report on patentabiiity [Chapter 1) is issued by the international Bureau on liehail of the
`International Searching Authority under Rule 44 bis.1(a).
`
`This REPORT consists of a total of 8 sheets: including this cover sheet.
`
`In the attached sheets: any reference to the Tt-x-‘ritten opinion of the Tnternational Searching .«'\uthority should he read as a
`rel'erence to the international preliminary report on patentahility (Chapter I) instead.
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`illis report contains indications relating to the iollowing items:
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`50‘(
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`\lo.
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`I
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`ISa sis of the report
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`50‘(
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`\lo. M
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`30)L \lo.
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`3m \lo.
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`30); \lo.
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`5m. ‘40.
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`5m. ‘40.
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`Priority
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`Non-establishment oi opinion with regard to novelty, inventive step and industrial
`applicability
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`T.ack of unity of invention
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`Reasonetl statement under Article 35(2) with regard to novelty, inventive step or
`industrial applica hi Iity; citations and explanations supporting such statement
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`Certain documents cited
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`Certain dciccts in the international application
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`50V
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`(iertain observations on the international application
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`ilie international Bureau will couuuunicate this report to designated Oilices in accordance with i’tules 44bis'.3(c) and 9305.1
`but not, except where the applicant makes an express request under Article 23(2). bei'ore the expiration pl 30 months irom
`the priority date (Rule 44his .2).
`
`
`
`Date of issuance of this report
`27 August 2019 (27.08.2019)
`
`Slmln Baharlou Facsimile No. +41 22 338 82 70
`
`The Tnternational Bureau of WTPO
`34, cheuriu des (joionrbeltes
`i211 Geneva 20. Switzerland
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`.-'\uthor17.ed officer
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`e-maii: pct.team9@wipo.inl
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`i-"orn‘r PC'i'IlBr’LW'J [January 2004]
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`

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`PCTIUSZO18/019268 26.06.2018
`
`PATENT COOPERATION TREATY
`
`'
`
`From the
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`To; DAVID HARBURGER
`WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
`550 PAGE MILL ROAD
`PALO ALTO. CA 94304
`
`PCT
`
`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`
`(PCT Rule 43ers. I)
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`2 6w N 2018 .
`FOR FURTHER ACTION
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`'
`=
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` attaining.)
`
`
`Applicantis or agent’s file rcfcrcncc
`
`See paragraph 2 below
`
`44854-738601
`
`Priority date (downtown/year)
`International filing date
`
`
`Inteinational application No.
`doybnonihfyear}
`
`
`PCTIUS 18f19268
`22 February 2017 (22.02.2017)
`22 February 2018 (22.02.2018)
`
`
`International Patent Classification (IPC) or both national classification and IPC
`
`“30(3) _ G06F19122. 882‘! 10100, G110 1300 (2018.01)
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`CFC , G113 2003021 ,G11C 1310009, GGSF 191'10. GOBN 3f126. GOBN 3/123
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`L________——
`Applicant TWIST BIOSCIENCE CORPORATION
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`|. This opinion contains indications relating to the following items:
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`Box No.
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`|
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`Basis ofthe opinion
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`Box No. II
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`Priority
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`EDDangina Box No. VIII Certain observations on the international application
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`Box No. III
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`Non-establishment of opinion with regard to novelty. inventive step and industrial applicability
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`Box No. IV
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`Lack of unity of invention
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`Box No. V
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`Reasoned statement under Rule 435:5. 1(a)(i) with regard to novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability;
`citations and explanations supporting such statement
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`Box No. VI
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`Certain documents cited
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`Box No. VII Certain defects in the international application
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`!
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`2. FURTHER ACTION
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`If a demand for intcrnational preliminary examination is made, this opinion will be considered to be a written opinion oftlic
`International Preliminary Examining Authority (“IPEA’”) except that this does not apply where the applicant chooses an Authority
`other than this one to be the IPEA and the chosen [PEA has notified the International Bureau under Rule 56.!bisib) that written
`opinions of this International Searching Authority will not be so considered.
`Ifthis opinion is, as provided above, considered to be a written opinion ofthe IPEA, the applicant is invited to submit to the IFEA
`a written reply together, where appropriate, with amendments, before the expiration of 3 months from the date of mailing of Form
`PCTJISAQ20 or before the expiration of22 months from the priority date, whichever expires later.
`For further options, see I-‘orm PCTJISAQEO.
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`
`
`Name and mailing address of the ISAIUS Date ofcon'ipletion ofthis opinion
`Authorized officer
` Lee W. Young
`Mail Stop PCT, Alln: ISNUS
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`10 June 2018
`
`PCT Halpdask: 52’1-272-4BUU
`PO. Box 1450, Alexandria. Virginia 22313-1450
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`PCT 05F: 51-272-1‘774
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`Facsimile No.
`5?1—2T3-&300
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`Form PCTI’ISAIBT (cover sheet) [January ZOIS)
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`

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`PCT/USZO18I019268 26.06.2018
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`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`
`Box No. I
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`Basis oftltis Opinion
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`1. With regard to the language, this opinion has been established on the basis of:
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`
`International application No.
`PCTIUS 1Bi19268
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`'3 the international application in the language in which it was filed.
`D a translation oftlte international application into
`furnished for the purposes ofinlernatiorial search (Rules 12.3(a) and 23.1(bJ).
`
`which is the language ot'a translation
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`This opinion has been established taking into account the rectification ni‘an obvious mistake authorized by or notified to
`this Authority under Rule 9] (Rule 436:3. 1(a)}.
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`With regard to any nucleotide auditor amino acid sequence disclosed in the international application, this opinion has I
`been established on the basis ofa sequence listing:
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`a.
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`forming part ofthe international application as filed:
`
`El in the form nfan Annex Ci'ST.25 text file.
`D on paper or in the form ofan image file.
`b. E! furnished together with the international application under PCT Rule 13rer.t[a) for the purposes of international
`search onlyr in the Form ofan Annex CEST25 text file.
`
`c. El furnished subsequent to the international filing date for the purposes ofinternational search only:
`D in the form ofan Annex CISTZS text file (Rule l31er.l(a))_
`E! on paper or in the form of an image file {Rule lSter.l(bj and Administrative Instructions, Section '1" I3).
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`4. 1:] In addition, in the cast: that more than one version or copy ofa sequence listing has been filed or furnished, the required
`r
`statements that the information in the subsequent or additional copies is identical to that forming part of the application as
`filed or does not go beyond the application as filed, as appropriate, were i‘umished.
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`5. Additional comments:
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`
`
`Form PCTIISNB? (Box No. l) (January 2015)
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`

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`PCTIUSZO18I019268 26.06.2018
`
`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`
`
`International application No.
`PCTJUS 1Bf19268
`
`Box No. IV
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`Lack ofunity ofinvcntion
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`t.
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`In response to the invitation (Form PCTI’ISAJZOG) to pay additional fees the applicant has, within the applicable time limit:
`
`El
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`paid additional Fees.
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`[3 paid additional fees under protest and. where applicable, the protest fee.
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`D paid additional fees under protest but the applicable protest fee was not paid.
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`
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`8] not paid additional fees.
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`
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`2. D This Authority found that the requirement ofunity ofinvention is not complied with and chose not to invite the applicant to
`pay additional fees.
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`3. This Authority considers that the requirement ofunity ot'invention in accordance with Rule 13.], 13.2 and I13 is
`
`D complied with.
`
`E not complied with for the Following reasons:
`This application contains the following inventions or groups of inventions which are not so linked as to form a single general inventive
`concept under PCT Rule 13.1. In order for all inventions to be examined, the appropriate additional examination fees must be paid.
`
`Group 1+: Claims 1—10. 19-21 drawn to a methodlsystem for storing encrypted information. The methodlsystem for bloencryption will be
`searched to the extent that the bioencryption format encompasses enzymatic based bioencryption. It is believed that claims 1-3. 9. 1t). 19
`.21. 25, 2'." encompass this first named invention. and thus these claims will be searched without fee to the extent that they encompass
`enzymatic based bioenorypt'ron. Additional bioencryption ton-nats will be searched upon the payment of additional! fees. Applicants must
`specify the claims that encompass any additionally elected bioencryption format. Applicants must further indicate. if applicable. the claims
`which encompass the first named invention, if different than what was indicated above for this group. Failure to clearly identify honI any
`paid additional invention lees are to be applied to the "+" groupts) will result in only the first claimed invention to be searched. An
`exemplary election would be a bioancryption format encompassing affinity based bioenoryption (claims 1. 6-10. 19. 24-2?).
`
`Group l|+: Claims 11—18. 28-34. drawn to a metl'lodlsystem tor retrieving encrypted information. Group II+ will be searched upon
`payment of additional fees. The methodlsystem may be searched. for example. to the extent that the encrypted information is retrieved
`using enzymatic based decryption for an additional fee and election as such. It is believed that claims 1 1-13. 28-30 read on this
`exemplary invention. Additional decryption formatts) will be searched upon the payment of additional fees. Applicants must specify the
`claims that encompass any additionally elected decryption format(s]r. Failure to clearly identify how any paid additional invention fees are
`to be applied to the"+" groupts) will result in only the first claimed invention to be searched. Another exemplary election would be a
`decryption format encempasing affinity based decryption {claims 11. 15—13. 23. 33—34].
`
`
`
`The inventions listed as Groups |+ and ||+ do not relate to a single general inventive concept under PCT Rule 13.1 because. under PCT
`Rule 13.2. they lack the same or corresponding special technical features for the following reasons:
`
`Groups ll+ do not require a methodi’system for storing information in a bioencryption format by converting a digital sequence to a plurality
`of oligonucleotide sequences and synthesizing a plurality of oligenucleotide sequences encoding for those. as required by Groups |+.
`
`Groups l+ do not require a methodfsystem for retrieving bloencrypted information by releasing oligonucleotides from a surface. applying
`decryption technique thereto. enriching and sequencing the enriched oligonucleotides. as required by Groups ||+.
`
`The inventions of Groups 1+ each include the special technical feature of bioencrytion formats. recited therein. Each of the inventions of
`Group |+ requires a specific bionencryption format. not required by the other inventions.
`
`The inventions of Groups |I+ each include the special technical feature of dacrytion formats. recited therein. Each of the inventions of
`Group ||+ requires a specific decryption format. not required by the other inventions.
`
`-------------------------------—SEE FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL BOX TO CONTINUE--—-———————---------—---—--—
`
`Special Technical Features
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`
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`4.
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`' Consequently, this opinion has been established in respect ofthc following parts ofthe international application:
`
`D all parts.
`
`the pans relating to claims Nos. 1-3. 9. 1D. 19-21I 26, 2? limited to enzymatic based bioencryption
`
`
`Form PCTHSAIZET (Box No. IV) (January 2015)
`
`

`

`PCTIU82018I019268 26.06.2018
`
`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`I
`l'
`I
`I
`'
`ll\ ['ERhATIOINAL SEARCHING AU'I HOR'.IT\‘r
`
`International application No.
`PCTfUS 18119258
`
`Box No. V
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`Reasoned statement under Rule 43br's.l(e)(i] with regard to novelty. inventive step or industrial applicability;
`citations and explanations supporting such statement
`
`Statement
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`Novelty (N)
`
`Inventive step (IS)
`
`2-3. 9. 10. 20-21. 26. 2?
`1, 19
`
`NONE
`1-3.9.10.19-21.26.27
`
`------------------------------SEE THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL Box To connnUE——--
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`industrial applicability (IA)
`
`1-3.9.10. 19-21. 25. 27
`NONE
`
`Citations and explanations:
`2.
`Claims 1 and 19 lack novelty under PCT Article 33(2) as being anticipated by US 2005(0053968 A1 to Elharadwaj et al. [hereinafter
`'Bh‘aredwaj').
`
`Regarding claim 1. Bharadwaj discloses a method for storing information. the method comprising:
`a} receiving at least one item of information in a form of at least one digital sequence (abstract “A method for storing information in DNA
`has been developed which includes software and a set of schemes to encrypt. store and decrypt information in terms of DNA bases. The
`main advantages of the present method over exiting art is that it addresses complete set of extended ASCII characters set and thereby.
`encryption of all kind of digital information (text. image. audio etc). First of all. information is. encrypted". thus multiple kinds of digitized
`Information is received for encryption. see Figs. 2 and 4 for overview):
`b) receiving instructions for selection of at least one bioencryption format. wherein the bioencryption format is enzymatic based
`bioencryption [para [001?] "plain textfimage or any digital information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequences using encryption key
`[software]. If the information overflows the limits i.e. it cannot be synthesized in a single place then it is encrypted and fragmented in a
`number of segments [i.e. oligonucleotidesl", para [0019] " the DNA segment(s} istare flanked by known PCR primers
`at both the ends
`i.e. header primers are attached at the beginning of segment and tail primers are attached at the end of the segment". para [0021] "only a
`recipient knowing the sequences of both the primers [starting and tail] would be able to extract the message. using [enzymatic] FCR to
`isolate 5r amplify the encrypted DNA strand];
`:
`c] converting the at least one digital sequence to a plurality of oligonucleotide sequences based on the selected bioencryption format (para
`[001?] "plain texttimage or any digital information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequences
`encrypted and fragmented in a number of
`segments [i.e. oligonucleotides]". see Fig. 1B) ;
`d) synthesizing a plurality of oligonucleotides encoding for the oligonuclaotide sequences (para [0017] " Synthesis of encrypted sequence
`(s) is carried out using DNA synthesizer.". see Figs. 4 and 5); and
`e) storing the plurality of oligonucleotides (para [0020] "DNA is then mixed with the enormous complex denatured DNA strands of genomic
`DNA of human or other organism. As the human genome contains about 3.timee.10.sup.§ nucleotide pairs. fragmented s denatured
`human DNA provides a very complex background for storing the encrypted DNA. The DNA can be stored and transported on paper". see
`Figs. 4 and 5).
`
`Regarding claim 10. Elharadwa] discloses a system for storing infomation (para [001?] "plain textfimage or any digital information is
`encrypted in terms of DNA sequences using encryption key (software).". See Fig. 5 for overview of system}. the system comprising:
`a) a receiving unit (i.e.computer with software program. see Fig. 2) for receiving machine instructions for at least one item of information in
`a form of at least one digital sequence. and machine Instructions for selection of at least one bioencryption format (para [0015]I "The
`method enables the storage of information in DNA. In another embodiment a software based on the above method enables all 256
`Extended ASCII characters to be defined in terms of DNA sequences
`Software named as "DNASTORE" has been developed in Visual
`Basic 6.0 for encryption and decryption of digital information in terms of DNA bases. Using DNASTORE complete extended ASClI
`character set can be encoded 255 different ways". See Figs. 4 and 5}. wherein the bioencryption format is enzymatic [para [0019] "the
`DNA segment(s} isfare flanked by Known PCR primers
`at both the ends i.e. header primers are attached at the beginning of segment
`and tail primers are attached at the end of the segment". para [0021] "only a recipient knowing the sequences of both the primers [starting
`and tail] would be able to extract the message. using [enzymatic] PCR to isolate Sr amplify the encrypted DNA strand}:
`;
`b) a processor unit for automatically converting the at least one digital sequence to a plurality of otigonucleotide sequences based on the
`selected bioencryption format (para [001 'r'] "plain textfimage or any digital information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequences
`encrypted and fragmented in a number of segments [i.e. oligonucleotidesl". see Fig. 4);
`c} a synthesizer unit for receiving machine instructions from the processor unit for synthesizing a plurality of otigonucleotides encoding for
`the oligonucleotide sequences (See Fig, 4 and 5); and
`d) a storage unit for receiving the plurality of oligonucleotides deposited from the synthesizer unit (para [0020] "DNA is then mixed with the
`enormous complex denatured DNA strands of genomic DNA of human or other organism. As the human genome contains about
`3.times.10.sup.9 nucleotide pairs. fragmented & denatured human DNA provides a very complex background for storing the encrypted
`DNA. The DNA can be stored and transported on paper". see Figs. 4 and 5}.
`
`Form Pt‘J‘IB‘ISAt'ZL'tTIr (Box No. V) (January 2015)
`
`

`

`PCTIU82018IO19268 26.06.2018
`
`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTl-iOl'tl'l't‘r
`
`International application No.
`PCTJUS 1Bi19268
`
`Supplemental Box
`
`In case the space in any ofthc preceding boxes is not sufficient.
`Continuation or‘:
`Box No. IV (3} Lack of unity of invention:
`
`Common Technical Features
`
`.—------------------------------SEE NE><T SUPPLEMENTAL Box To CONTINUE——————————————
`
`The common technical feature shared by Groups H and |l+ is a method of managing data comprising encryptionidecryption using a
`biological based format. However, this shared technical feature does not represent a contribution over prior art. because the shared
`technical feature is anticipated by the article entitled "NewI Trends of Digital Data Storage in DNA by De Silva et al. (hereinafter "de Silva')
`(Biolv'led Research International (5 September 2016) Vol 2015. Article ID 80?2463. 14 pages).
`
`De Silva teaches a method of managing data comprising using a DNA biological based format (abstract "there emerges a need for a
`storage medium with high capacity. high storage density. and possibility to withstand extreme environmental conditions. DNA emerges as
`the prospective medium for data storage with its striking features. Diverse encoding models for reading and writing data onto DNA. codes
`for encrypting data
`and approaches for developing codons and storage styles have been developed") comprising encrypting and
`decrypting said data (pg. T. col 2. last 2 para — pg 5. col 1. para 2- "Steganography Technique Using DNA Hybridization. This method
`effectively uses the advantages offered by the structure of DNA for vast storing capabilities and parallel molecular computation. This
`approach brings out an algorithm for hiding data in DNA in a digital form One Time Pad (OTP) generated keys are used as encryption
`key. This key is used just only once for exactly one message. The used pad is destroyed by the user after encryption. Figure 2
`summarizes the encryption process using hybridization technique". see Figs. 2-3 for encryptionidecryption. 'After decrypting the message
`receiver destroys the identical pad which is owned by him. Because of this reason this approach is extremely secure. In this algorithm
`single stranded DNA is used as the OTP
`Encrypted message is hidden in a microdot. Strand consisting of the encrypted message is
`placed between two PCR primer sequences ...Without the knowledge about start and and primers one will not be able to read the
`message by amplifying").
`Another common technical feature shared by Groups H and |I+ is a system of managing data comprising a storage unit. a processor unit.
`however this shared technical feature does not represent a contribution over prior art. because the shared technical feature is made
`obvious by De Silva. As discussed above. DNA is the storage unit for DNA. such as a microdot. which is recovered. amplified by
`conventional PCR. and decoded. For said decoding. an artisan of ordinary skill would have readily appreciated that a computer with a
`processor would be used to collect sequence data (invariable generated by a computer controlled seuqencing device. See diagrams in
`Figs 2 and 3). thus De Silva's stored data would comprise a system and processor[s) to encode data by DNA synthesis and decode date
`by amplification and sequencing.
`
`Another common technical feature shared by Groups I+ is claims 1 and 19, however. this feature is anticipated by US 200510053966 A1 to
`Bharadwaj et al. {hereinafter 'Eiheradvvaj'). Bharadwaj teaches (claim 1)a method for storing information. the method comprising:
`a) storing information in a form of at least one digital sequence (abstract "A method for storing information in DNA has been developed
`which includes software and a set of schemes to encrypt. store and decrypt information in terms of DNA bases. The main advantages of
`the present method over exiting art is that it addresses complete set of extended ASCII characters set and thereby. encryption of all kind of
`digital information");
`b} selection of at least one bicencryption format. wherein the bioencryption format is electromagnetic (computer derived} instruction (para
`[0016] "The method enables the storage of information in DNA.
`a software based on the above method enables all 256 Extended ASCII
`characters to be defined in terms of DNA sequences. The basic concept used is to take minimum number of bases to define each
`Extended ASCII character.
`four bases give 4.times.4.times.4.times.4 = 256 distinct sequences. Therefore. with a set of 4 bases.
`complete extended ASCII set has been encoded. Software named as "DNASTORE" has been developed
`for encryption and decryption
`of digital information in terms of DNA bases. Using DNASTORE complete extended ASCII character set can be encoded 255 different
`ways"):
`c) converting the at least one digital sequence to a plurality of oligonucleotide sequences based on the selected bioencryption format.
`d] synthesizing a plurality of oligonucleotides encoding for the oligonucieotide sequences (para [001?] "plain textiimage or any digital
`information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequences using encryption key (software). If the information overflows the limits i.e. it cannot be
`synthesized in a single piece then it is encrypted and fragmented in a number of segments [i.e. oligonucleotides]. Synthesis of encrypted
`sequence is) is carried out using DNA synthesizer.". para [0019] " the DNA segmenlis) isiare flanked by known PCR primers
`at both
`the ends i.e. header primers are attached at the beginning of segment and tail primers are attached at the end of the segment") and e)
`storing the plurality of oligonucleotides (para [0020} "DNA is then mixed with the enormous complex denatured DNA strands of genomic
`DNA of human or other organism. As the human genome contains about 3.times.10.sup,9 nucleotide pairs, fragmented & denatured
`human DNA provides a very complex background for storing the encrypted DNA. The DNA can be stored and transported on paper").
`
`Form PCTIISAJ'ZH (Supplemental Box) (January 2015}
`
`

`

`PCTIU82018I019268 26.06.2018
`
`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`
`[ntcmational application No.
`PCTFUS 1309253
`
`Supplemental Box
`
`in cast: the space in tiny oftlie preceding boxes is not sufficient.
`Continuation of:
`.
`Box No. IV [3) Lack of unity of invention:
`
`Bharadwej further teaches (claim 19] system for storing information. the system comprising:
`a) a receiving unit for receiving machine instmcllons for at least one item of information in a form of at least one digital sequence. and
`machine instructions tor selection of at least one bioencryptlon format. wherein the bioencryption format is chemical based bioencryption
`(synthetic DNA sequences) (para [001?] "plain textrirnage or any digital information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequences using
`encryption key lsoftwere).");
`b} a processor unit for automatically converting the at least one digital sequence to a plurality of oligonucleotide sequences based on the
`selected bioencryption format:
`c) a synthesizer unit for receiving machine instructions from the processor unit for synthesizing a plurality of oligonucleotldes encoding for
`the oligonucieotide sequences {para [001?] "plain textfimage or any digital information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequences using
`encryption key (software). If the information overflows the limits i.e. it cannot be synthesized in a single piece then it is encrypted and
`fragmented in a number of segments [i.e. oligonucleotides]. Synthesis of encrypted sequence {5} is carried out using DNA synthesizer.".
`para [0019] " the DNA segmentls) islare flanked by known PCR primers
`at both the ends i.e. header primers are attached at the
`beginning of segment and tail primers are attached at the end of the segment.")-. and
`d] a storage unit for receiving the plurality of oligonucleotides deposited fromthe synthesizer unit (para [0020] "DNA is then mixed with the
`enormous complex denatured DNA strands of genomic DNA of human or other organism. As the human genome contains about
`3.times.10.sup.9 nucleotide pairs, fragmented & denatured human DNA provides a very complex background for storing the encrypted
`DNA. The DNA can be stored and transported on paper").
`
`Another common technical feature shared by Groups l|+ is claims 11 and 28, however, this feature is anticipated by Bharadwai. Bharadwaj
`teaches (claims 1 1 and 28) a method and system for retrieving information comprising
`(a) releasing a plurality of oligonucieotides from a storage unit surtace (DNA stored on paper and mixed with human genomic DNA as
`discussed above). and
`b) applying an enzymatic (PolymerasetPCFt) decryption to the plurality of oligonucleotides with a deposition unit (PCR Machine) (see para
`[0020]). oligonucleotides having primers at each end are stored on paper, para [0017] "digital information is encrypted in terms of DNA
`sequences using encryption key (software)."}
`lc) enriching the plurality of oligonucleotides [para [0021] "only a recipient knowing the sequences of both the primers would be able to
`extract the message, using PCR to isolate 8. amplify the encrypted DNA strand". i.e. enrich the oligonucleotides).
`(d) sequencing enriched oligonucleotides from the plurality of oligonucleotides to generate nucleic acid sequences using a sequencing unit
`enriched oligonucleotides from the plurality of oligonucleotides to generate nucleic acid sequences {para [0021] "Isolated and amplified
`DNA can then be sequenced using automated DNA sequencer.",l and
`(e) a processor unit for automatically converting the nucleic acid sequences to at least one digital sequence. wherein the at least one
`digital sequence encodes for at least one item of information (para [0021] "The DNA sequence obtained can then be convened into digital
`message using encryptionldecryption key (software keyl."}.
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`As the technical features were known in the art at the time of the invention. they cannot be considered special technical features that would
`otherwise unity the inventions.
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`Groups l+ and I|+ therefore lack unity under PCT Rule 13 because they do not share the same or corresponding special technical feature.
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`I
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`Form PCTflSAr‘ZST (Supplemental Box) (January 2015)
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`PCT/USZO18I019268 26.06.2018
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`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITVr
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`International application No.
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`PCTJU318t19263
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`Supplemental Box
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`In case the space in any ofthe preceding boxes is not sufficient.
`Continuation of:
`Box \i' No. (2) Citations and Explanations:
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`Claims 2 and 20 lack an inventive step under F'CT Article 33(3) as being obvious over Bharadwaj
`Bacteria Can Now Store Data" (Dvorsky).
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`in view of the publication entitled "Living
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`Regarding claims 2 and 20. Bharadwaj teaches a method and a system for storing information that is encrypted as DNA sequence
`comprising , as discussed for claims 1 and 19. Bharadwaj does not expressly teach that the the enzymatic based bioencryption comprises
`CRISPRrCas based bioencryption. however. Dvorsky teaches storing data in cell DNA using CRISPRJCas based bioencryption (pg 1 para
`1 "Using the CRlSPR gene-editing tool, scientists from Harvard University have developed a technique that permanently records data into
`living cells”. pg 3. para 1 "During the experiment, loose segments of DNA were injected into a strain of E. coli bacteria equipped with
`CRISPWCaH-Casz. But these bits of DNA weren‘t arbitrary- they contained specific strings of data that contained specific sequences of
`letters chosen by the scientists. These segments were introduced one at a time. and the bacteria systematically integrated them in a
`linearly coherent manner to reflect the order in which they were introduced"). Based on Dvcrsky's teaching, it would have been obvious to
`an artisan of ordinary skill to encrypt and store Bharadwal's oligonucleotides using Dvorsky's CRISPRlCas method of integrating strings
`(oligonucleotides) of DNA into a bacterial chromosome for storageihiding, and. for example. recovering said DNA using sequences using
`PCR amplication, because said encryptionistorage method is a valuable alternative means of storing said encrypted DNA.
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`Claims 3 and 21 lack an inventive step under PCT Article 33(3) as being obvious over Bharadwaj
`ZHENGZHOU LIGHT IND (hereinafter ' ZhengZhou '}
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`in view ofCN 104?:34848 A to UNIV
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`Regarding claims 3 and 21. Elharadwai teaches a method and a system for storing information that is encrypted as DNA sequence
`comprising , as discussed for claims 1 and 19. Bharadwaj does not expressly teach that the enzymatic based bioencryption comprises
`instructions for synthesis of the oligonucleotides which are sensitive to an enzyme (restriction enzyme in Table 10). however. ZhengZhou
`teaches encrypting DNA seqments using restriction enzymes (abstract "a recombinant DNA technology based information encrypting and
`hiding method and an application. Firstly, a plain text is coded into a DNA sequence. preprocessing is carried out on the DNA sequence by
`adopting the encryption algorithm. and a pseudo-DNA segment is generated; and then the pseudo-DNA segment and a marker gene
`segment are connected to a DNA plasmid vector by using the restriction enzyme and the ligase. and an obtained recombinant plasmid is
`further hided into a germ body: finally. a cell which contains confidential information is hided into a large number of irrelevant pseudo-cells.
`and the hided cells can be screened out by the selective cultivation. The encrypting and hiding method is applied to the authentication and
`signature technology. Encrypting, hiding and transmitting ot the confidential information are achieved", para [0041] "upon receipt of the
`recipient cell containing the recipient cell masquerading according to the type of selective resistance gene. a cell culture received in an
`appropriate selective medium, having a specific resistance by surviving cells and amplified"; para [0042] "The amplified redolent cells for
`extraction and purification of receptors. restriction endonucleases will disguise the DNA sequence excised from the plasmid vectors and
`their DNA purified and sequenced after extraction. to obtain the DNA sequence disguised base arrangement information"); wherein the
`enzymes are listed in Table 10 (para 0090] The monoclonal colonies were picked. disrupt the cells. centrifuged at high speed. to extract a
`recombinant DNA vector molecule purified amplified dual restriction sites sender design. selection Ndel site and Xhol double digestion
`its sequence obtained by DNA sequencing"). Based on ZhengZhou's teaching. it would have been obvious to an artisan of ordinary skill to
`experiment with ZhengZhou's use of restriction enzyme sites flanking encrypted DNA to selectively release encrypted sections of DNA
`concealed within a cell or a mixture. because said release and sequencing (e .g. with specific primers that ligate to the specific cut ends)
`offer another means of encrypting and storingr'hiding segments of DNA created using the method of Eharadwaj.
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`Claims 9-10 and 26-2? lack an inventive step under