METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATION USING LABELS CONTAINING NUCLEOTIDE SEOUENCES

摘要

A method, label, and labeling system for labeling and authenticating an item are presented. At least one of a number of known nucleotide sequences associated with a predetermined amount of information (110) is used as a label to be associated with an item (112) . The label is then read with a reagentless sensor to detect the nucleotide sequence (s) (114) . The detected nucleotide sequence (s) is then associated with the appropriate information. The item is authenticated if the sensor detects the expected nucleotide sequence (s) (116) . The information in the DNA label may also be passed through a hash function or encrypted to further enhance security. The labels may also incorporate known non-natural nucleic acid analog sequences rather than nucleotide sequences, and a reader that reads known non- natural nucleic acid analog sequences may be employed.