nanoscale communication networks： utilizing an active network architecture

• Published in: 材料科学前沿：英文版 Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 316 - 326
• Main Author: Stephen F. BUSH
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: 信息传输; 分子马达; 医学诊断; 安全可靠; 纳米级; 细胞信号传递; 网络架构; 通信网络
• ISSN: 2095-025X

A safe and reliable nication network will be of in vivo nanoscale commu- great benefit for medical diagnosis and monitoring as well as medical implant communication. This review article provides a brief introduction to nanoscale and molecular networking in general and provides opinions on the role of active networking for in vivo nanoscale information transport. While there are many in vivo communication mechanisms that can be leveraged, for example, forms of cell signaling, gap junctions, calcium and ion signaling, and circulatory borne communication, this review examines two in particular： molecular motor transport and neuronal information communication. Molecular motors transport molecules representing information and neural coding operates by means of the action potential; these mechan- isms are reviewed within the theoretical framework of an active network. This review suggests that an active networking paradigm is necessary at the nanoscale along with a new communication constraint, namely, minimiz- ing the communication impact upon the living environment. The goal is to assemble efficient nanoscale and molecular communication channels while minimizing disruption to the host organism.