THz-Based Microfluidic LSPP-Metastructure for the Analysis of Electrochemical Communication in Bacterial Networks

Recent research has demonstrated that bacteria in biofilms use ion-channel based electrochemical signals for information transfer. This finding positions biofilms as a promising candidate for various applications in molecular communication systems. This work focuses on a novel design: a terahertz (THz) metastructure based on localized surface plasmon polariton (LSPP) metastructures combined with a microfluidic platform for studying electrochemical signaling in bacterial biofilms. This LSPP metastructure, consisting of meticulously constructed metallic nanostructures, allows for effective interaction between THz radiation and the biofilm's electrochemical signals. Concurrently, the microfluidic platform provides a precisely controlled environment for the study of bacterial communication. THz spectroscopy and imaging techniques can provide useful information about the dynamics of the signaling molecules involved in bacterial communication. Along with facilitating a better understanding of bacterial communication mechanisms, this integrated system has several applications in biosensing, bioelectronics, and bioengineering, opening the way for future advances in the field.