Surveying Experimentally-Validated Components for DNA-Based Molecular Communication

Abstract: Molecular communication is a novel paradigm for the design of nanonetworks. It uses molecules as information carriers and enables communication between nanodevices. DNA-based molecular communication is a promising approach for medical applications, such as in-body networks for diagnostics and drug delivery. However, the transition from theoretical models to practical experiments is still in its early stages. This survey reviews experimentally validated DNA-tiles, nanocarriers, and biosensors relevant to implementing DNA-tile-based nanonetworks in vitro. We evaluate these components based on their stability, compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and overall suitability for wet-lab implementation. Based on this analysis, we identify promising component combinations and derive a blueprint for a minimal proof-of-concept experiment. The resulting framework provides researchers with both a structured overview of experimentally relevant design choices and a concrete starting point for implementing and validating DNA-based nanonetworks in the wet lab.