A new system called SynthID Bio allows researchers to embed invisible, detectable signatures into protein and DNA sequences designed by artificial intelligence. The technology, developed by Google DeepMind, enables these watermarks to remain identifiable even after the biological materials are physically synthesized. Proof-of-concept tests utilized protein binders for VEGF-A, the SARS-CoV-2 spike, and PD-L1, as well as an Evo 2-designed bacteriophage genome that remained functional in early lab trials.

The initiative includes a partnership with Twist Bioscience to integrate watermarking into DNA synthesis screening. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, stated that biosecurity is a critical challenge for the AI era, and the company is open-sourcing the toolset to allow for further community development. The findings were published in the journal Nature on September 30.