A Software-Defined Perspective on Molecular Networking in the Internet of BioNanoThings

IF 2.5 Q2 ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC

IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communications Pub Date : 2026-01-01 Epub Date: 2026-03-27 DOI:10.1109/TMBMC.2026.3678212

Annalisa Ciuchi;Francesco Chiti;Stefano Caputo;Giacomo Borghini;Maurizio Magarini;Lorenzo Mucchi

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The Internet of BioNanoThings (IoBNT) envisions networks of nanoscale biological entities, called bionanomachines, capable of sensing, processing, and communicating within living systems. These entities rely on molecular communication (MC), a biologically compatible method that uses biochemical signals instead of electromagnetic waves. While promising for intra-body applications such as diagnostics and targeted therapy, MC faces inherent limitations, including noise, limited range, and lack of programmability. This work proposes a novel integration of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles into MC systems to address these challenges. By mapping SDN components, such as flow tables, match fields, and control logic, to biological counterparts, we introduce the concept of Bio-SDN: a programmable, layered architecture for orchestrating bionanomachines. DNA-based messaging and bacterial carriers enable addressable control channels, while synthetic biology tools such as logic gates and promoter tuning support decision-making and prioritization. Applications include real-time health monitoring, adaptive drug delivery, and environmental biosensing. The paper also discusses fault management strategies and outlines key challenges in reliability, mutation control, bio-cyber interfacing, and security. Bio-SDN offers a scalable framework for managing biological networks, paving the way for intelligent, responsive systems embedded within living organisms.

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生物纳米物联网中分子网络的软件定义视角

生物纳米物联网（IoBNT）设想了纳米级生物实体网络，称为生物纳米机器，能够在生命系统内感知、处理和交流。这些实体依赖于分子通信（MC），这是一种使用生化信号代替电磁波的生物兼容方法。虽然在诊断和靶向治疗等体内应用方面很有前景，但MC面临着固有的局限性，包括噪音、有限的范围和缺乏可编程性。这项工作提出了一种将软件定义网络（SDN）原则集成到MC系统中的新方法，以应对这些挑战。通过将SDN组件（如流表、匹配字段和控制逻辑）映射到生物对等体，我们引入了Bio-SDN的概念：用于编排生物机器的可编程分层体系结构。基于dna的信息传递和细菌载体实现了可寻址的控制通道，而合成生物学工具，如逻辑门和启动子调整，支持决策和优先级。应用包括实时健康监测、自适应药物输送和环境生物传感。本文还讨论了故障管理策略，并概述了可靠性、突变控制、生物网络接口和安全性方面的关键挑战。Bio-SDN为管理生物网络提供了一个可扩展的框架，为嵌入生物体内的智能、响应系统铺平了道路。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communications Mathematics-Modeling and Simulation

CiteScore

3.90

自引率

13.60%

发文量

期刊介绍： As a result of recent advances in MEMS/NEMS and systems biology, as well as the emergence of synthetic bacteria and lab/process-on-a-chip techniques, it is now possible to design chemical “circuits”, custom organisms, micro/nanoscale swarms of devices, and a host of other new systems. This success opens up a new frontier for interdisciplinary communications techniques using chemistry, biology, and other principles that have not been considered in the communications literature. The IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communications (T-MBMSC) is devoted to the principles, design, and analysis of communication systems that use physics beyond classical electromagnetism. This includes molecular, quantum, and other physical, chemical and biological techniques; as well as new communication techniques at small scales or across multiple scales (e.g., nano to micro to macro; note that strictly nanoscale systems, 1-100 nm, are outside the scope of this journal). Original research articles on one or more of the following topics are within scope: mathematical modeling, information/communication and network theoretic analysis, standardization and industrial applications, and analytical or experimental studies on communication processes or networks in biology. Contributions on related topics may also be considered for publication. Contributions from researchers outside the IEEE’s typical audience are encouraged.