Synchronizing at the nanoscale as an enabler for molecular communication nanonetworks

• Applicant: Dr. Jorge Torres Gomez
• Subject Area: Biomedical Systems Technology ; Communication Technology and Networks, High-Frequency Technology and Photonic Systems, Signal Processing and Machine Learning for Information Technology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 558331552

Current research in molecular communication (MC) and nanonetworks is promising unprecedented means for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the human body. Conceptually, nanodevices injected in human vessels are envisioned to sense and actuate on potential diseases before symptoms appear. However, individual nanodevices have limited resources and must form clusters to function effectively. These clusters enable coordinated actions, such as targeted drug delivery, which are time-sensitive and require fresh information for timely operation. Operating as a cluster relies on the communication exchange in the nanonetwork for task coordination, where synchronization among nanodevices becomes crucial for decoding the information packets sent. This proposal focuses on developing synchronization mechanisms to enable a communication link among nanodevices within the bloodstream. Synchronization within human vessels is challenging due to the random positions of nanodevices with time. Despite its importance, this issue remains unresolved when the nanonetwork operates in the dynamic environment of the human vessels, where the bloodstream drifts the nodes randomly. The literature identifies three main synchronization approaches: pulse-based synchronization protocols, preamble-based symbol synchronization, and bio-inspired clock synchronization mechanisms. However, these methods need to be adapted to the dynamic and bounded environment of human vessels. Filling this gap, this proposal aims to adjust and fine-tune reported synchronization mechanisms for nanodevices in the dynamic blood flow environment. Our objectives include devising a realistic model for the transmission-reception scheme in human vessels, optimizing reported synchronization mechanisms in the literature for this particular environment, and designing a technique to evaluate the preamble sequence and the data packet length. The methodology involves integrating existing models of nanodevice mobility, synchronization mechanisms, and transmission-reception schemes. Our focus is developing an MC link among nanodevices in the human vessels. Expected outcomes include reliable synchronization methods, an evaluation of the synchronization’s impact on communication performance, and a methodology to compute synchronization parameters optimally. By developing robust synchronization mechanisms, this research aims to enable effective nanonetwork formation, enhancing nanodevice capabilities for early diagnosis and treatment. It will, therefore, be a key component for advancing precision medicine.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants