A comprehensive survey on the P system optimization algorithms’ variants and their applications

Computation inspired by natural phenomena, known as bio-inspired algorithms, is one of the main research directions in natural computing. P system optimization algorithms (POAs), sometimes also called the membrane algorithm, are a branch of bio-inspired algorithms. In light of the fact that they have rigorous and sound theoretical development, as well as providing a parallel distributed framework, POAs have become an emerging class of distributed computing models inspired by the structure and function of biological cells. With P systems developing steadily and more of their variant algorithms being published, new membrane structures and intra-membrane rules continue to appear, boosting the flexibility of P systems. In this paper, we conduct a systematic review of POAs to clarify their development context, application scenarios, and future directions, with the specific work arranged as follows. Firstly, the concepts of the membrane computing model are introduced; secondly, the algorithmic structure and algorithmic procedure of POAs are generalized, followed by a summary and classification of the different POAs’ variants in the light of current literature works. Then, the application areas of POAs are categorized and summed up. Finally, the current issues of POAs and potential future directions of their development are discussed.