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Scalable Localization-enabled In-body Terahertz Nanonetwork

Project description

In-body localisation-supporting terahertz nanonetwork

Nanotechnology enables a vision of in-body nanonetworks that can be applied in various novel healthcare applications, such as targeted drug delivery, micro- and neurosurgeries, and cellular-level bacteria and disease detection. Smart nanonodes, comprising the nanonetwork, are envisioned to target specific parts of the body (e.g. diseased tissue), perform operations (e.g. drug release) upon commands, and communicate results to doctors. The EU-funded ScaLeITN project plans to develop a terahertz-operating wireless nanonetwork that supports both localisation of nanonodes and two-way communication with the outside world. In the project, we will use backscattering for low-energy and high-precision localisation at the nanoscale, as well as location-based multi-hop communication to extend the terahertz communication range.

Objective

Nanotechnology is paving the way toward nanoscale devices that are envisioned to enable several groundbreaking healthcare applications, such as molecular-level cancer detection, targeted drug delivery, and neurosurgeries. The nanodevices are expected to flow through the human body, perform actions upon commands or at certain locations, and communicate the results to the outside world. There is, therefore, a need to enable two-way communication between the nanodevices and the outside world, as well as their localization inside the body. These functionalities should be supported while simultaneously maintaining tiny form factors and a low energy consumption profile of a potentially vast number of nanodevices. In the ScaLeITN project, I will utilize wireless signals in the terahertz (THz) frequencies for enabling both localization and communication capabilities for in-body nanodevices. Localization will be enabled through THz backscattering, which is an unexplored paradigm that promises low energy and high precision localization at the nanoscale. The constrained communication range characteristic for in-body THz propagation will be mitigated through multi-hop communication. In such communication, only a selected subset of nanodevices in the multi-hop route will be awoken by utilizing wake-up radio-like signals. Selection of these nanodevices will be based on their location estimates, as well as on their energy lifecycle characterizations if available through backscattering. This is again a novel paradigm that promises enabling low power, reliable, and scalable THz nanocommunication. The main outcome of the project is to develop a pioneering prototype of a THz nanonetwork with both localization and two-way communication capabilities. Market valorization of the prototype is envisioned during and beyond the scope of the project through the Collider and i.start two academic innovation programmes for supporting scientists in developing disruptive technology-based products.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 178 320,00
Address
PRINSSTRAAT 13
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Antwerpen Arr. Antwerpen
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 178 320,00
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