Nano-Communication for Biomedical Applications: A Review on the State-of-the-Art From Physical Layers to Novel Networking Concepts

We review EM modeling of the human body, which is essential for in vivo wireless communication channel characterization; discuss EM wave propagation through human tissues; present the choice of operational frequencies based on current standards and examine their effects on communication system performance; discuss the challenges of in vivo antenna design, as the antenna is generally considered to be an integral part of the in vivo channel; review the propagation models for the in vivo wireless communication channel and discuss the main differences relative to the ex vivo channel; and address several open research problems and future research directions

ENGINEERING AND ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR PRECISION MEDICINE

ThesisAim of this thesis is to exploit modern technologies and statistical methods to support precision medicine in both the gathering and analysis of data. Real-time measurements of clinical parameters and identification of molecular signatures are thought to be crucial to tailor medications on the individual needs and likeliness of response. This thesis explores both aspects. The first part of the thesis studies the issues related to the safe real-time collection of parameters in connection to ultrasound communications of intra-body sensor networks. A testbed has been developed and a complete characterisation of a high water concentration channel — comparable to human body — is provided. The second part focuses on the analysis of transcriptomic data to predict successful treatments in non-communicable diseases. To reach this aim we will present a novel pathway-based tool together with the results from two clinical trials

Roadmap on semiconductor-cell biointerfaces.

This roadmap outlines the role semiconductor-based materials play in understanding the complex biophysical dynamics at multiple length scales, as well as the design and implementation of next-generation electronic, optoelectronic, and mechanical devices for biointerfaces. The roadmap emphasizes the advantages of semiconductor building blocks in interfacing, monitoring, and manipulating the activity of biological components, and discusses the possibility of using active semiconductor-cell interfaces for discovering new signaling processes in the biological world