Microsystems for Bioelectronics: the Nanomorphic Cell (Micro and Nano Technologies)

Abstract

Chapter 1 introduces the concept of the nanomorphic cell, and makes a reference to the state-of-the-art of the integrated microsystems. Chapter 2 is devoted to a study of the potential of various energy sources whose dimensions are in the 10-micron range. The volume constraint for the nanomorphic system forces the search for extremely scaled energy sources and energy conversion mechanisms. Chapter 3 considers the projected capability of computation and memory systems when ultimately scaled devices are used. It is shown that energy barriers are a fundamental concept in defining the ultimate scalability of transistors and a discussion of the physics of device-to-device communication is also included. In Chapter 4, an overview of biological sensors, again limited to 10 microns in size, is undertaken with an emphasis on sensitivity, selectivity, and settling times for various sensors. Emphasis is on electrical, biochemical, and thermal sensors operating in an environment of thermally induced noise. Chapter 5 discusses the limits of electromagnetic communication systems when the systems are constrained to dimensions on the order of 10 microns. It turns out that the communication of a bit of information over distances of the order of 1 meter is much more costly from an energy expenditure perspective than any other activity of the nanomorphic cell. Chapter 6 focuses on the comparison of the computational capabilities of the in silico nanomorphic cell with those of the in carbo living cell. Chapter 6 is very multidisciplinary since it requires the integration of data from many sources to enable a model for the living cell as a computer. Indeed, in carbo systems are the most dramatic existence proof for functional micron-scale systems.