Molecular communication in the human body
PD Dr Ulrich Kertzscher, Dr Michael Lommel and MSc Sophie Becke have explored the idea of an Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) for synthetic molecular communication in the human body in their publication.
In their review paper ‘Exhaled Breath Analysis Through the Lens of Molecular Communication: A Survey,’ they show how the analysis of exhaled air can be used for this new technology. The journal ‘IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials’ has published the joint research of the ICM team with scientists from the Technical University of Berlin, King's College London, the Technical University of Dresden and the Technical University of Munich.
PD Dr Ulrich Kertzscher, Dr Michael Lommel and MSc Sophie Becke (from left to right) from the ICM are conducting research into synthetic molecular communication in the human body.
PD Dr Ulrich Kertzscher, Dr Michael Lommel and MSc Sophie Becke (from left to right) from the ICM are conducting research into synthetic molecular communication in the human body.
A vision for the medicine of the future
Scientists have been exploring the idea of using tiny nanobots in the human body for some time now. These could perform monitoring, diagnostic and therapeutic tasks – directly at the smallest level, in the micro and nano range. The basis for this is what is known as synthetic molecular communication: information is transmitted via molecules, similar to the communication between cells in our body. Although there are already well-founded theoretical concepts, practical implementation remains a major challenge. This is because such communication must not only be reliable and energy-efficient, but also compatible with the human body.
Breath as an information carrier
This is where air-based molecular communication comes in – a promising approach that works over significantly greater distances and can even be used outside the body. The big advantage: the necessary devices and techniques are already available, bringing practical applications within reach. The analysis of breath air in particular offers enormous potential. It is non-invasive, uses existing commercial sensor technology and is relatively easy to implement. Our breath air contains a multitude of molecules and particles that can provide information about our state of health – so-called biomarkers for various physical processes and diseases.
From theory to practice
Researchers are using proven methods and models from synthetic molecular communication to optimise respiratory gas analysis. In this process, humans become transmitters, exhaled air becomes the information carrier, and macroscopic sensors become receivers. By connecting this air-based communication with the natural networks of cells, tissues and organs in our bodies, a new kind of ‘Internet of Biological Things’ (IoBT) could emerge – a first step towards the Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT). The theoretical study examines in detail how exhaled air can be modelled and analysed from the perspective of synthetic molecular communication, bringing this forward-looking technology an important step closer to practical application.
