DNA, identified in 1953 and universally recognized as the magic code of life, has been used to identify specific human beings, clone animals and now, in a less dramatic but important application, to act as an information carrier and as an encryption and computation device. Most recently, this very complex code, which could theoretically carry a whole written novel in a single molecule, has been used to make an “ink” or taggant for security printing.

Now, the Technology Transfer Group (a division of Polestar Ltd.) translates a good idea into a foolproof solution by combining the DNA ink concept with steganography, the art of hiding authentication information inside biological information. In this report, Polestar President, Wendell M. Smith, details the DNA Lock™ technology, a system in which the hidden DNA code in the mixture can never be discovered without knowing the primary key code needed for the PCR analysis to identify the authentic ink. The result has been the most counterfeit-resistant mark ever conceived.

Smith traces the technology's development – from its invention by two Mount Sinai school of Medicine doctors…through its present applications, in wine, apparel, artworks and even Olympic Games merchandise…to the advancements he envisions for DNA Steganography. Click here to view the entire report.

About the author

Wendell M. Smith is founder and president of Polestar Ltd., International Consultants and Investors. Polestar recently acquired PhotoSecure DNA Technology.

Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Baldwin Technology Company, Inc. and member of the Boards of Directors of American Maize-Products Corporation, Globe Ticket and Label Company and Bowne & Company, Inc.

Dedicated to entrepreneurship and the "pursuit of business in life and life in business," Mr. Smith started his career with Sikorsky Aircraft, Barnes Engineering Corporation and Baldwin-Gegenheimer Corporation (predecessor of Baldwin Technology). He holds a BA and an MS in mechanical engineering, and is a member of several community, social and trade organizations.