3D Printing of α-Amylase-Illuminated Fluorescent Devices for Dynamic Information Storage and Encryption

Abstract

Traditional fluorescent materials for information encryption have drawbacks such as low resolution and cumbersome process of information loading. We have developed an α-amylase-stimulated responsive fluorescent hydrogel system, which was used to store information with arbitrary architectures through combining 3D printing technology. By controlling the concentration of α-amylase to tune the fluorescence of the hydrogel, various types of information on the hydrogel at specific times can be obtained. Multiple dynamic encryptions of information can be easily performed, during which false information may be generated as a means to further improve the security of information storage. Moreover, displaying information from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional plane of this responsive fluorescent hydrogel broadens the method of information storage and encryption. The introduction of a multicolor system and 3D printing of bacteria that secrete α-amylase in situ will provide a new design strategy for information encryption design.