German Grundgesetz Encoded in DNA for 75th Anniversary
In a fusion of science and symbolism, the German Grundgesetz has been encoded into DNA as part of the "DNA of Democracy" project. FML is proud to be playing a part in this exciting project. This initiative commemorates the 75th anniversary of Germany's Grundgesetz, underscoring its enduring significance.
The project external page "DNA of Democracy", led by Solimán López in collaboration with the Functional Materials Laboratory and researcher Reinhard Heckel, has successfully encoded the entire text of the Grundgesetz into synthetic DNA. To ensure its durability, technology developed in our lab was used to encapsulate the DNA in glass particles, preserving the genetic material of German democracy.
The encapsulated DNA was incorporated into ink, which was then used to print the Pentecost edition of the external page Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ). This particular edition, known as “SZ am Wochenende,” has the largest circulation of the year, with a record 500,000 copies distributed.
The front page of this historic edition, as well as an advertisement, were printed with the DNA-infused ink. By embedding the "genetic material" of the German constitution into the newspaper, the project not only celebrates the Grundgesetz but also symbolically weaves the principles of democracy into the fabric of daily life by the means of science.