Frequency-Domain Model of Microfluidic Molecular Communication Channels with Graphene BioFET-based Receivers

TL;DR

This paper develops an analytical frequency-domain model for microfluidic molecular communication channels with graphene bioFET-based receivers, aiding in the design and analysis of practical MC systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel frequency-domain model for microfluidic MC with graphene bioFET receivers, validated through stochastic simulations, bridging theory and practical implementation.

Findings

Model accurately predicts signal dispersion and distortion.

Validation confirms the model's effectiveness for system design.

Insights support development of new modulation and detection techniques.

Abstract

Molecular Communication (MC) is a bio-inspired communication paradigm utilizing molecules for information transfer. Research on this unconventional communication technique has recently started to transition from theoretical investigations to practical testbed implementations, primarily harnessing microfluidics and sensor technologies. Developing accurate models for input-output relationships on these platforms, which mirror real-world scenarios, is crucial for assessing modulation and detection techniques, devising optimized MC methods, and understanding the impact of physical parameters on performance. In this study, we consider a practical microfluidic MC system equipped with a graphene field effect transistor biosensor (bioFET)-based MC receiver as the model system, and develop an analytical end-to-end frequency-domain model. The model provides practical insights into the dispersion and distortion of received signals, thus potentially informing the design of new frequency-domain MC techniques, such as modulation and detection methods. The accuracy of the developed model is verified through particle-based spatial stochastic simulations of pulse transmission in microfluidic channels and ligand-receptor binding reactions on the receiver surface.