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Toward in vivo nanoscale communication networks: utilizing an active network architecture

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Abstract

A safe and reliable in vivo nanoscale communication network will be of 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 mechanisms 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, minimizing 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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. GE Global Research, One Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA

    Stephen F. Bush

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  1. Stephen F. Bush
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Correspondence to Stephen F. Bush.

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Stephen F. Bush received the B.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, M.S. degree in computer science from Cleveland State University, and Ph.D. degree from the University of Kansas. He is currently a researcher at General Electric Global Research, Niskayuna, NY. He is the author of Nanoscale Communication Networks (Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2010). He coauthored a book on active network management, titled Active Networks and Active Network Management: A Proactive Management Framework (New York, NY: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 2001). He is an internationally recognized researcher in Active Networking and Algorithmic Communications Networking Theory with over 50 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Bush is the past chair of the IEEE Emerging Technical Subcommittee on Nanoscale, Molecular, and Quantum Networking. He is also on the steering committee for the IEEE Smart Grid Vision Project.

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Bush, S.F. Toward in vivo nanoscale communication networks: utilizing an active network architecture. Front. Comput. Sci. China 5, 316–326 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11704-011-0116-9

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