Information Rates of Controlled Protein Interactions Using Terahertz Communication

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Molecular Communication
• Electromagnetic Engineering

Background:

• Proteins are crucial for cell behavior and can be stimulated by Terahertz (THz) frequencies.
• Electromagnetic (EM) and molecular communication are distinct fields with potential for integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a model bridging electromagnetic and molecular communication using stimuli-responsive proteins.
• To investigate the use of THz waves for controlled protein signaling and information transmission.

Main Methods:

• Formulated a communication system with a nanoantenna transmitter and a protein receiver.
• Employed a Markov chain model to represent protein stochasticity, with transition rates influenced by nanoantenna force.
• Developed two-state and multi-state protein models for diverse biological scenarios.

Main Results:

• Derived closed-form expressions for mutual information in protein signaling.
• Maximized mutual information to determine the communication capacity between nanoantenna force and protein state.
• Demonstrated that controlled protein signaling enables information transmission with physical significance.

Conclusions:

• Controlled protein signaling via THz waves offers a viable communication platform.
• This research paves the way for EM-based control of protein networks within the body.
• Highlights the potential of integrating EM principles with molecular communication for advanced applications.