Nano Computer Design Based on Intra Body
Nanoscale Neuro-Spike Communication: a
Nanonetwork Paradigm
Partha Pratim Ray
Department of Computer Science and Applications
Sikkim University
6th Mile, Samdur, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim-737102
parthapratimray@hotmail.com
Abstract-To realize nano scale network functionalities, the
underlying architecture of nano machines should be developed.
Human body is the nature created best realistic model of
nanonetworking. Intra neuron communication is the well
designed nanonetwoking structure which leads to develop similar
nano computer model that explores the diagnosis and remedial
mechanisms for various critical diseases. In this paper, first,
Moore machine model is adapted by comprehending biological
interactions between nano scale neuro-spike communications.
Next, a novel nano computer model is devised based on Moore
machine. This research to paves a holistic path to overcome the
limitation of leT oriented medical diagnostic approach and
builds the foundation for pragmatic implementation by certain
advancement in nanoelectronics.
Keywords-Moore machine; finite state automata; neuro-spike
communication; nanonetwork; nano computer
I. INTRODUCTION
Nanonetwork study and research have become an obvious
and desired area of computation, now-a-days. To realize the
concepts of nanonetwork, the theoretical basis of existing nano
scale communication techniques and the corresponding
development of nano devices should be practiced. A
nanonetwork or nanoscale network is a set of interconnected
nanomachines, i.e., devices in the order of a few hundred
nanometers or a few micrometers at most, which are able to
perform only very simple tasks such as computing, data
storing, sensing and actuation [1]. Nanonetworking enhances
the workability of a nano machine by expanding the
complexity and range of operation by coordination between
multiple nano devices [2].
Human body is the nature made best real life model of
nanonetworks. It is juxtapose of heterogeneous communication
networks, such as, nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine
nanonetworks etc. Intra body nervous communication plays a
vital role to perform various functionalities in human body.
This can be an origin of inspiration to develop a nano computer
which will in turn be able to control similar tasks in body,
when implemented.
978-1-4673-4700-6/12/$31.00 ©2012 IEEE
Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Warwick. Downloaded on March 05,2023 at 12:05:09 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
Biological systems interact, due to maintain the continuity
and heal the diseased part of body. Though, the advent of
medicine has taken many push back policies by rectifying
different diseased part of human body, still unable to cure
numerous critical diseases and understand its underneath
reasons caused by molecular nano communication failure.
Researchers have tried many techniques and strategies to
combat these discrepancies but only a limited amount of work
have been done based on the Information Communication and
Technological (lCT) approach on nano communication
networks, in this area, so far. This paper models the neuro­
spike communication channel by applying information
theoretical approach and develops a nano computer, based on
Moore machine mechanism comprehended by biological
theories obtained from intra-neuron communication. The
objective of this research is to identifY the communication
theory behind the axonal spike transmission through neurons
in human body and to design a basic nano computer model
which will be able to sort out the diseases caused by
miscommunication mechanism between intra cellular and
tissual in human body or similar kind of biological systems by
implementing proper diagnosis and appropriate drug delivery.
This paper, first, develops a Moore machine based on
neuro-spike communication in intra neuron channel in human
body. Next, devises a novel nano computer model which will
perform the required decision making and controlling jobs to
sense the input spikes and generates actuator signal, by
completing the full bio cycle of neuro-spike communication.
This paper is organized as follows. Section II presents
related work. Section ill presents Moore machine construction.
Section IV presents nano computer architecture. Section V
concludes this paper.
II. RELATED WORK
In [3], various elementary models for intra-body molecular
communication channels, such as, nanoscale neuro-spike
communication channel, action potential based cardiomyocyte
molecular communication channel, and hormonal molecular
communication channel and their multi-terminal extensions are
discussed. In [4], a physical channel for molecular
306
 Input lVeuron
Axonal Noise
�----�I �I __���
Axonal Spike
TranSl11ISS101l
Figure I. Realistic channel model for nanoscale neuro-spike communication.
communication is modeled by a linear time invariant (LTI)
system, and the channel transfer function is derived. In [5], an
analytical framework that incorporates the effect of mobility
into the performance of electrochemical communication among
nanomachines is presented. Literature [6] proposes a stochastic
dynamical model of noisy neural networks with complex
architectures and discuss activation of neural networks by a
stimulus, pacemakers and spontaneous activity. In [7][8], a
molecular communication channel as a binary symmetric
channel is modeled and its mutual information and capacity is
analyzed. In [9], an information theoretical model is proposed
to understand the signaling mechanism of the molecular
communication medium. Thesis [10], represents the modeling
of Finite State Automata (FSA) of Quorum Sensing
mechanism in Bacteria and designs a nanomachine to
implement Quorum Sensing. In [11], nanoscale neuro-spike
communication characteristics through developing a realistic
physical channel model between two terminals is investigated.
[12] investigates synaptic Gaussian interference channel along
with the characterization of power or firing rate of achievable
rate region for the channel .
III. MOORE MACHINE CONSTRUCTION
This section constructs a Moore machine based on realistic
channel model of point to point nano scale neuro-spike
communication [3].
A. Basics ofneuro-spike communication
As per Fig. 1, when a spike arrives at pre-synaptic terminal an
influx of calcium ions through voltage-dependent calcium ion
channels is occurred [3]. Then, the calcium ions bind to the
proteins situated within the membranes of the synaptic
vesicles. Later on, the vesicles release their contents:
neurotransmitters (information molecules) to the synaptic cleft
[l3]. This release is actually triggered by the arrival of a nerve
impulse (action potential). Hence, neuro-spike communication
channel can be considered as series of electrical and molecular
channels. The neuro-spike communication between single
presynaptic neuron and single postsynaptic (i.e., point to point)
neuron includes the axonal, synaptic and spike generation
phases. Synaptic transmission is composed of vesicle release,
diffusion, and generation and trial-to-trial variability of
2012 International Conference on Communications, Devices and Intelligent Systems (CODIS)
Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Warwick. Downloaded on March 05,2023 at 12:05:09 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
OutPUt Neuron
,--_-----:=:::-:::=-:c==::::-:-_--=-;Syn aptic Noise
Synaptic
TronStnission Generation
excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) ( i.e., the excitation
due to the vesicle release). Here in the communication channel
two major sources of noise are present, such as, axonal and
synaptic noises.
B. Basics ofAutomata theory and Moore machine
A deterministic finite state automaton is a system D =
{Q , I, 15, qo, F}, where Q is afinite set of the possible
internal states of the automaton D, I is a finite
alphabet, qo is the initial state, 15 is the transition
function (15: QxI�Q) and F is a subset ofQ, the set of
final or acceptance states.
A Moore machine is a six-tuple A = {Q, E, A, 15, r, qo},
where Q is afinite set of the possible internal states of
the automaton A, I and A arefinite alphabets for the
input and the output, respectively, qo is the initial state,
15 is the transition function (15: QxI�Q) and r is the
output function (r : Q� A).
Moore machine is a deterministic finite state automaton in
which each state is bound to an output. The model for the
neuro-spike communication channel will be based in a
Moore machine, since all the transitions are fixed, and an
output has to be defined.
C. Design ofMoore machine
Fig. 2 presents the Moore machine corresponding to the
channel model of neuro-spike communication. The Moore
machine contains six different states such as, S, VS, D, EG,
TT, and GS; each representing the particular stage of channel
modeling. S stands for starting stage, VS represents vesicle
release stage, D presents diffusion stage, EG stands for EPSP
waveform generation stage, TT corresponds to trial to trial
variability of EPSP generation and GS represents the spike
generation stage.
Various input values and their assumptions with threshold
values are represented in the Table I. 01 represents Release of
neuro transmeter, O2 presents EPSP waveform generation and
03 stands for actuator spike generation. Table II provides the
resultant values of corresponding input values and their
threshold values presented in Table I (i,e., alphabets I).
307
 T2<=Ta
TI>Tc

TI<=Tc

Figure 2. Moore machine representation.

TABLE lTL OUTPUT- T

TABLE L INPUT VALUES AND ASSUMPTIONS
States S VS o EG TT GS
Input Input
Assumption Assumption Output 0, 03
Value Value
T, Ca++ concentration T, Ca++ concentration threshold
T, T, Moore machine start state: The Moore machine start
Axotic nosie Axotic noise threshold
T3 Td state is: qo= S.
Diffusivity Diffusivity threshold
T, T, Final state: The Moore machine final state is: F= GS.
Vasicle excitatory Vesicle excitatory threshold
T, T, Table IV represents the state chart of the Moore machine.
Synaptic noise Synaptic noise threshold
Where, dx / E: means: if dx is action, then E: is the event. --­

T6 Tp
Action potential Action potential threshold represents impossible transition.

TABLE IV. STATE TABLE

TABLE IT ALPHABET -I S VS D EG TT GS
S d21 E: d,/ O,
I Resultants I Resultants VS d,IO, d31 E:
d, T,>T, d, T,<=T, 0 d61 E: d,IO,
EG d8/ 0, d,l E:
d3 T,>T, d, T,<=T,
TT d,al E: d9/ 03
ds d6
T3>Td T3<=Td GS dll IE: d,d03

d, T,>T, ds T,<=T,
d9 d,o
Ts>T, Ts<=T,
IV. NANO COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
dll T6>Tp dl2 T6<=Tp
The purpose of this section is to design a nanomachine
capable of performing Axonal sensing and neuro-spike
generation. The hypothetical construction of this nanomachine
Moore machine states: The Moore machine presented
would be done through the bio-hybrid or bio-inspired
in Fig. 2 has six states:
manufacturing approach, such as: Self-continence: usually cells
Q={S, VS, D, EG, IT, GS} have their set of instructions completely specified in the DNA
of its nucleus or nucleotide, Self-replication: is the property
Moore machine alphabets: The Moore machine has through which nanomachines autonomously replicate
twelve alphabets shown in Table II. themselves and its set of instructions, and Self-assembly: is
I= {d" d2, d3, c4, ds, d6, d7, ds, d9, dlo, dll, d,2} defined as the process in which several disordered elements
form an organized structure without external intervention, as a
Moore machine output alphabets: The Moore result of local interactions between them [10]. Fig. 3 and 4
machine has three output alphabets: represent the nano computer architecture and processing unit,
A= {Ol, 02> 03} respectively. Nano computer contains Input, Storage Unit,
Processing Unit, Control Unit and Output.
Moore machine output function: The Moore machine
output function is presented in Table III.

308 2012 International Conference on Communications, Devices and Intelligent Systems (CODIS)

Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Warwick. Downloaded on March 05,2023 at 12:05:09 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
 tttttt Axonal Spikes
I Ca++ Concentration
Tempora Inf. m13tion I_�f�m�o!:.._
Processing
Unit OutpO( Signal
Control Unit
Figure 3. Nano computer architecture.
input: Axonal spikes are fed into the computer for
processing through it.
Storage Unit: This module receives and stores temporarily
the spikes and sends its sensed information to Processing Unit
for further computation. Ca++ concentration information is
passed to the Output, thoroughly.
Processing Unit: The PU receives the sensing information
from Storage Unit and performs some simple operations, such
as the comparison of that information with some predetermined
thresholds values by implementing the derived Moore machine
(Fig. 2). The results will serve as inputs of the automaton that
is implemented in the Control Unit.
Control Unit: The CU takes the inputs that come from the
Processing Unit, calculates the next action to perform, and
sends its orders to the Output. Some internal operational
information is stored and accessed to and from Storage unit.
Output: After getting command from CU, actuator signal is
generated for further transmission through neuron along with
Ca++ concentration information.
Clock
TI
d3
-
d4
Processing Unit
Processing Unit: it does the main computation of decision
making by incorporating different sensed and predetermined
values shown in Table I and Table II. Clock signal and wait
(w) are used to synchronize the input values related operations
and to control the rate with which the nano computer changes
of state and generates actuator signal, respectively. Electrical
power might be needed, some solutions using zinc oxide
nanowires have been proposed [14].
V. CONCLUSION
This paper models the neuro-spike communication
channel through corresponding Moore machine and designs a
novel nano computer to perform neuro communication in
human body through bio-hybrid mechanism. Limitations of
this work can be as follows: single input single output neuron
communication design can be modeled into multi input-output
model, efficiency of proposed nano computer should be
measured, and a simulator for obtaining similar realistic
environment should be developed.
REFERENCES
[I] Ian F. Akyildiz, F. Brunetti, and C. Blazquez, "Nanonetworks: A New
Communication Paradigm," Computer Networks Elsevier Journal, Vol.
52,n. 12,pp. 2260-2279,June 2008.
[2] Nanonetwork. http://en. wikipedia.orglwiki/Nanonetwork.
[3] D. Malak, O. B. Akan, "Molecular communication nanonetworks inside
human body",Nano Communication Networks Vol. 3,pp. 19-35,2012.
[4] M. Pierobon, I.F. Akyildiz, "A physical channel model for molecular
communication in nanonetworks", IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in
Communications (J-SAC) 28, 602-611. (May) 2010.
[5] A. Guney, B. Atakan, and O. B. Akan, "Mobile Ad Hoc Nanonetworks
with Collision-based Molecular Communication", IEEE Transactions on
Mobile Computing, Vol. 11(3),pp. 353- 366 ,2012.
[6] A. V. Goltsev, F. V. de Abreu, S. N. Dorogovtsev, and J. F. F. Mendes,
"Stochastic cellular automata model of neural networks",
arXiv:0904.2189v3,pp. 1-10,2010.
[7] B. Atakan, O. B. Akan, "An information theoretical approach for
molecular communication", in: Proceedings of ICST/ACM
BTONETICS,pp. 33--40,2007.
[8] B. Atakan, O. B. Akan, "On channel capacity and error compensation in
molecular communication", Springer Transactions on Computational
Systems Biology 10,pp. 59-80. (February) 2008.
[9] J. Q. Liu, T. Nakano, An information theoretic model of molecular
communication based on cellular signaling, in: Bio-Inspired Models of
Network,Information and Computing Systems,pp. 316-321,2007.
dl
[10] S. A. Cavalie, "Automata Modeling of Quorum Sensing for
Nanocommunication Networks", Thesis,20 IO.
[II] E. Balevi, O. B. Akan, A physical channel model of nanoscale
neurospike communication,20I I.
d5
d6 [12] E. Balevi,O. B. Akan,Synaptic Gaussian multiple access channel,20 II.
d7 [13] R. Liinas, T. Z. Steinberg, K. Walton, "Relationship between presynaptic
d8 calcium current and postsynaptic potential in squid giant synapse",
d9 Biophysical Journal 33 ,pp. 323-351,1981.
dIU
[14] T. Nakano, T. Suda, M. Moore, R. Egashira, A. Enomoto, K. Arima,
dll
Molecular communication for nanomachines using intercellular calcium
dn
signaling, in: Proceedings of the Fifth IEEE Conference on
Nanotechnology,pp. 478- 481,June 2005.

Figure 4. Processing Unit.

2012 International Conference on Communications, Devices and Intelligent Systems (CODIS) 309

Authorized licensed use limited to: University of Warwick. Downloaded on March 05,2023 at 12:05:09 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.