The Thing With E.coli: Highlighting Opportunities and Challenges of Integrating Bacteria in IoT and HCI (1910.01974v1)

Abstract: With advances in nano- and biotechnology, bacteria are receiving increasing attention in scientific research as a potential substrate for Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT), which involve networking and communication through nanoscale and biological entities. Harnessing the special features of bacteria, including an ability to become autonomous - helped by an embedded, natural propeller motor - the microbes show promising array of application in healthcare and environmental health. In this paper, we briefly outline significant features of bacteria that allow analogies between them and traditional computerized IoT device to be made. We argue that such comparisons are critical in terms of helping researchers to explore human-bacteria interaction in the context of IoT and HCI. Furthermore, we highlight the current lack of tangible infrastructure for researchers in IoT and HCI to access and experiment with bacteria. As a potential solution, we propose to utilize the DIY biology movement and gamification techniques to leverage user engagement and introduction to bacteria.

• The paper demonstrates how engineered E. coli exhibits autonomous sensing and communication, positioning bacteria as viable IoT components.
• It employs synthetic biology and nanotechnology to program bacterial responses for environmental monitoring and healthcare delivery.
• The study addresses bioethical and practical challenges while promoting interdisciplinary methods, including DIY biology and gamification, for innovation in HCI.

Integrating Bacteria into IoT and HCI: Opportunities and Challenges

The notion of intertwining biological entities such as bacteria with technological networks has gained traction in scientific research, driven by developments in nanotechnology and synthetic biology. The paper "The Thing with E.coli: Highlighting Opportunities and Challenges of Integrating Bacteria in IoT and HCI" by Raphael Kim and Stefan Poslad positions bacteria as a potentially transformative element within the Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT). This research is poised to explore how these living systems might align with conventional Internet of Things (IoT) devices, emphasizing their autonomous properties conferred by biological mechanisms.

Bacteria as IoT Devices

The paper draws parallels between bacterial systems and standard IoT devices by examining their capabilities in sensing, data processing, and communication. Bacteria's molecular-level sensors, comparable to electronic sensors, hold promise for diverse applications such as environmental monitoring and healthcare. For instance, bacteria like E.coli can be engineered to exhibit specific responses to environmental stimuli such as toxins, which could be valuable in pollution sensing in smart cities. In healthcare, these microbes can be programmed to deliver therapeutic compounds within the human body.

The bacterial DNA serves multiple roles akin to digital components: acting as a control unit, memory repository, and processor. The paper points out the utility of plasmids in introducing new functionalities, enabling tunable genetic control similar to programming in digital systems. Bacteria's cellular membranes facilitate molecular communication, similar to transceivers in electronic devices. Such molecular communication is crucial for creating bacterial nanonetworks, a field receiving increased attention for its potential to convey information through biological means.

Practical and Ethical Challenges

Despite the compelling theoretical framework, the implementation of bacteria-driven IoT systems faces substantial barriers. The paper acknowledges the practical constraints of working with living organisms, which necessitate bioethical guidelines and careful handling protocols to mitigate risks to both researchers and environments. Challenges include the need for specialized knowledge in microbiology for IoT and HCI researchers, along with biosafety and legal restrictions.

To address these hurdles, the authors propose leveraging DIY biology and gamification. DIY biology democratizes access to tools and techniques by reducing costs and increasing availability, facilitating engagement with biotechnological experimentation for a broader audience. Meanwhile, gamification could stimulate interest and learning by framing bacterial interactions within playful and educational contexts, as demonstrated in previous work with biotic games.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The integration of bacterial systems within IoT and HCI presents a novel frontier that melds the digital and biological worlds. As the paper elucidates, drawing comparisons between bacteria and IoT devices opens avenues for designing bio-hybrid systems with unique capabilities. However, practical application requires addressing biosafety challenges, cultivating interdisciplinary expertise, and creating infrastructure conducive to experimentation with living systems.

Further research is imperative to refine control over bacterial functions and enhance their reliability as IoT components. Progress in synthetic biology and molecular communication is likely to advance such developments. As researchers continue to explore these intersections, the ethical dimensions will need thorough exploration, ensuring that innovation does not outpace safety and societal readiness. The potential outcomes of such research could redefine human-computer interaction paradigms and contribute to advancements in health and environmental monitoring.