Synthetic Digital Circuits Using Neuronal Molecular Communications

de Lima Adonias, Geoflly (2022) Synthetic Digital Circuits Using Neuronal Molecular Communications. Doctoral thesis, SETU Waterford.

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Abstract

Neuron-based synthetic biology systems have been proposed in the past couple of decades as potential candidates for more precise treatment of neurodegeneration and, as building blocks of a platform for the design and development of novel therapeutics. Advances in the synthetic engineering of cells in parallel with the solid paradigm of communication engineering gave birth to a new interdisciplinary field known as Molecular Communications. Since its birth, researchers have been focusing on characterising the existing biological communication channels and developing theoretical models to pave the way for experimentalists to study, test and refine models of biological cells without the need for specialised equipment. Molecular Communications aims to facilitate the implementation of complex synthetic circuits capable of operating autonomously during short- and long-term periods with higher levels of compatibility with the biological environment and increased accuracy for minimising side effects. The focus of this PhD thesis is to develop artificial synthetically engineered neuron-based circuits able to perform bio-computational tasks and, promptly act on specific malfunctioning processes inside the human nervous system. A model and analysis of neuron-based logic gates and circuits are proposed. This mathematical framework, from the perspective of information and communication theory, provides a way of analysing the highly stochastic processes of neuronal communications and, integrates well-known communication metrics and techniques (e.g. queue theory and information capacity). This thesis also presents a modelling approach for the analysis of demyelination, either induced by a viral infection or locally with specific drugs, that shines a light on the effects of demyelination and remyelination processes concerning the signal propagation in a single neuron and, also, within synaptic connections. Creating artificial bio-compatible circuits able to interface with natural cells can potentially lead to new forms of tackling neurological disorders and cognitive enhancements limitations that play a major role on the Internet of Bio-NanoThings.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Synthetic Digital Circuits, Neuronal Molecular Communications
Departments or Groups: *NONE OF THESE*
Divisions: School of Science > Department of Computing, Maths and Physics
Depositing User: Derek Langford
Date Deposited: 13 Sep 2022 14:34
Last Modified: 13 Sep 2022 14:34
URI: https://repository.wit.ie/id/eprint/3530

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