Application of DNA sequences in anti-counterfeiting: Current progress and challenges

Graphical abstract

Abstract

Counterfeiting has never been more challenging than during the COVID-19 pandemic as counterfeit test kits and therapeutics have been discovered in the market. Current anti-counterfeiting labels have weaknesses: they can either be duplicated easily, are expensive or ill-suited for the existing complex supply chains. While RFID tags provide for an excellent alternative to current anti-counterfeiting methods, they can prove to be expensive and other routes involving nanomaterials can be difficult to encrypt. A DNA based anticounterfeiting system has significant advantages such as relative ease of synthesis and vast data storage abilities, along with great potential in encryption. Although DNA is equipped with such beneficial properties, major challenges that limit its real-world anti-counterfeiting applications include protection in harsh environments, rapid inexpensive sequence determination, and its attachment to products. This review elaborates the current progress of DNA based anti-counterfeiting systems and identifies technological gaps that need to be filled for its practical application. Progress made on addressing the primary challenges associated with the use of DNA, and potential solutions are discussed.