Using Bioengineered DNA As A Tool For Authenticating Art

Earlier today the International New York Times reported on a fascinating new authentication system that would allow living artists to "sign" their artworks with very small amounts of synthetic DNA.  Being that my passions include science and art, I couldn't wait to write up this week's Art Law blog post on this new scientific marking protocol (still under development) for authenticating art.

The Global Center for Innovation at the State University of New York at Albany is behind the development of this science-based approach for art authentication as the recipient of $2 million in funding from the ARIS Title Insurance Corporation, which specializes in art.  About two years ago, the New York Times reports, the Center, recognized for its work in the areas of bioengineering, encryption and nanotechnology, began the development of an approach to "infuse paintings, sculptures and other artworks with complex molecules of DNA created in the lab."  It was important to have