A new nanonetwork architecture using flagellated bacteria and catalytic nanomotors

• Published in: IEEE journal on selected areas in communications 2010-05, Vol.28 (4), p.612-619
• Main Authors: Gregori, Maria, Akyildiz, Ian F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustic devices; Assembly; Biological information theory; Catalytic Nanomotors; DNA; DNA Packet; Electromagnetic scattering; Flagellated Bacteria; Microorganisms; Military computing; Molecular communication; Nanobioscience; Nanonetworks; Nanoscale devices
• ISSN: 0733-8716; 1558-0008
• DOI: 10.1109/JSAC.2010.100510

Molecular communication has been recently proposed for interconnected nano-scale devices as an alternative to classical communication paradigms such as electromagnetic waves, acoustic or optical communication. In this novel approach, the information is encoded as molecules that are transported between nano-scale devices within different distances. For short distances (nm-mm ranges) there exist molecular motors and calcium signaling techniques to realize the communication. For long distances (mm-m ranges), pheromones are used to transport information. In this work, the medium-range is explored to cover distances from ¿m to mm and a molecular network architecture is proposed to realize the communication between nano-machines that can be deployed over different (short, medium and long) distances. In addition, two new communication techniques, flagellated bacteria and catalytic nanomotors, are proposed to cover the medium-range. Both techniques are based on the transport of DNA encoded information between emitters and receivers by means of a physical carrier. Finally, a qualitative comparison of both communication techniques is carried out and some future research topics are pointed out.