NTT DoCoMo molecules

NTT DoCoMo, one of Japan's largest mobile phone operators, said on Thursday that it has demonstrated the first molecular delivery system in its efforts to develop a molecular communication system. The system would provide biochemical conditions of living organisms, such as excitement, emotion, stress or disease. The company's ultimate goal is to integrate a bio chip into a cell phone to give it the ability to scan a user's tear, blood or sweat and send the information to a medical center for analysis via traditional methods.

For its experiments, DoCoMo used artificially synthesized DNA strands and chemically energized motor proteins like those found in muscles and nerves to transport specific 'cargo' molecules. As they are living matter, these manufactured cells can move on their own, a trait DoCoMo plans to take advantage of to develop a biochemical analyzer, or biochip.

NTT stresses molecular communication would enhance and not compete with existing, electronic communication mediums. The company is performing experiments with the help of Professor Kazuo Sutoh of the Department of Life Sciences and Associate Professor Shoji Takeuchi of the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo. It will continue working on the technology to bring it down to the consumer level.

By Electronista Staff

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