A novel image encryption scheme for DNA storage systems based on gene hybridization and gene mutation

With the rapid development of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) storage technologies, storing digital images in DNA is feasible. Meanwhile, the information security in DNA storage system is still a problem to solve. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a DNA storage-oriented image encryption algorithm utilizing the information processing mechanisms in molecule biology. The basic idea is to perform pixel replacement by gene hybridization, and implement dual diffusion by pixel diffusion and gene mutation. The ciphertext DNA image can be synthesized and stored in DNA storage system after encryption. Experimental results demonstrate it can resist common attacks, and shows a strong robustness in against sequence loss and base substitution errors in the DNA storage channel.