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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.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

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

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Call for proposal

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

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
Net EU contribution
€ 178 320,00
Address
PRINSSTRAAT 13
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium
Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Antwerpen Arr. Antwerpen
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 178 320,00