This chapter introduces communication and information theoretical aspects of molecular communication, relating molecular communication to existing techniques and results in communication systems. Communication models are discussed, as well as detection and estimation problems. The information theory of molecular communication is introduced, and calculation of the Shannon capacity is discussed.

This chapter considers the interface of a molecular communication network with an external environment: for example, an in-body molecular communication network with an external diagnostic and control system. The problem is defined, and engineering problems are discussed related to interfacing with biological cells. Applications to biological pattern formation are discussed.

This chapter introduces detailed mathematical modelling for diffusion-based molecular communication systems. Mathematical and physical aspects of diffusion are covered, such as the Wiener process, drift, first arrival time distributions, the effect of concentration, and Fick’s laws. Simulation of molecular communication systems is also discussed.

This chapter introduces the molecular communication paradigm in detail. It introduces a general model for molecular communication and gives the general characteristics of this model, which inform both design decisions and applications.

This chapter introduces detailed mathematical modelling for biological molecular communication systems, particularly for ligand–receptor systems. Models for chemical kinetics are introduced, including the master equation, and these are applied to membrane ion channels. Simulation of these systems is also discussed.

This chapter discusses how biological components can be designed and engineered as part of a molecular communication system. Building on material given in earlier chapters, the engineering of individual biochemical components such as proteins, DNA, liposomes, and individual cells is discussed.

This chapter introduces molecular communication in biological systems. It discusses biological molecular communication in general, and subsequently discusses a series of examples of biological molecular communication, including examples of communication within intercellular organisms, and between individual organisms such as bacteria.

This chapter concludes the book, presenting future research problems and applications for molecular communication.

This chapter introduces biological concepts that are important in the remainder of the book, particularly biochemical components of natural biological “nanomachines”. Biochemical structures such as proteins, DNA, RNA, lipid membranes, and vesicles are introduced, as well as an introduction to cells is given.

This chapter considers standardization in molecular communication. Two IEEE standards, 1906.1 and 1906.1.1, have been developed for nanonetworks, in general, and molecular communication, in particular; these standards and their development are described.

This chapter introduces layered architecture for molecular communication. Inspired by, but distinct from, layered architecture in conventional communication networks, this chapter introduces a layered design that is appropriate for molecular communication applications. Models and functionalities of each layer are discussed.

This chapter discusses how molecular communication systems can be designed, using the various techniques described in the book. The chapter discusses system design in the context of four specific application areas: drug delivery, tissue engineering, lab-on-chip technology, and unconventional computation. In each case, the general application scenario is discussed, and specific design examples are presented.

This chapter discusses experimental molecular communication at the macroscale, particularly low-cost “tabletop” experimental platforms. Several specific examples are given, such as tabletop molecular communication with alcohol vapour, and molecular MIMO systems.

This chapter considers the coordination of the actions of bionanomachines, such as cluster formation. This task is important to applications such as drug delivery at tumour sites. Mathematical models of cluster formation and system designs are presented, along with computer simulation results demonstrating that bionanomachines can move collectively and form clusters.

This chapter discusses mobile molecular communication. In most foreseeable applications, bionanomachines must move to accomplish their task, and this chapter discusses the problems related to maintaining communication links while moving. Models of mobility are given, and a case study of mobile molecular communication involving cells is discussed.