TABLE 1.

Redox as a molecular communication modality.

Features of Redox Modality  • Electrical: electron “flow” through reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions  • Molecular: electrons “carried” by molecular species  • Short range: requires molecular diffusion or mixing

Biological Relevance of Redox Modality  • Energy harvesting, biosynthesis, immune defense  • Inflammation, oxidative stress  • Signaling (redox signaling)

Measurement of Redox by Electrodes  • Simple, rapid, sensitive and convenient  • Data available in real-time electronic format for analysis and transmission  • Global (not molecularly-specific)  • “Invasive”: requires direct electron transfer (i.e., direct contact)

Current ‘State-of-the-Art”  • Experimental demonstrations: acquire information and actuate responses  • Communication theoretical analysis: minimal