# Key Ideas from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Researchers explored repurposing inkjet printer technology for DNA synthesis, specifically examining Epson printheads with 6-8 fluid channels and 180 individually controllable nozzles per channel that could potentially deposit different chemicals with high precision.

• The group discussed fundamental challenges in DNA synthesis accuracy, including coupling efficiency that drops below 90% after 4 days, precise droplet placement requirements, and reaction efficiency concerns that would need to be addressed in any new synthesis approach.

• An innovative proposal suggested creating DNA alternatives with modified backbones (HNA, TNA, GNA, PNA, XNA) that would be 10x larger than standard nucleotides, making them easier to physically manipulate, though requiring specially mutated polymerases to process these alternative structures.

• Participants debated the trade-offs between adapting existing technologies (like inkjet) versus developing specialized nano-scale tools, acknowledging that while inkjet approaches are "low cost and won't take long," technologies like Focused Ion Beam (FIB) might offer better long-term solutions if made more accessible.

• The conversation highlighted various digital microfluidic technologies, including Sandia's Digital Microfluidic Hub, with concerns that patents in this field might be impeding innovation for up to 20 years.

• Technical implementation details were shared about using LinuxCNC to control custom inkjet systems, focusing on how to integrate motion planning with precise nozzle firing timing through G-code or direct hardware interfaces.