Biological peer-to-peer networks: from bacterial communication to the development of synthetic distributed systems

<p> </p> <p>We address Bacterial Computing from the study of bacterial communication mechanisms, by assuming a conceptual framework between Computer Science and Biology in which cells are conceived as nodes. This nodes process information through modules formed of DNA as encoded software (biobricks) and are connected to other nodes. In order to understand how peerto-peer mechanisms operate in bacteria, we have studied Quorum sensing and Conjugation with an engineering perspective. Learning how cells process and exchange information we try to glimpse new theoretical approaches to develop synthetic networks and to transfer complex algorithms to natural environments. Extending bacterial communications we can implement P2P networks and provide the basis for the emergence of parallel computing in biological hardware, letting us understand better how nature itself computes. Considering the advantages of Synthetic Biology and following an engineering perspective we can use biobricks to design complex and scalable distributed computing systems. Extending bacterial communications we can implement P2P networks and provide the basis for the emergence of parallel computing in biological hardware, letting us understand better how nature itself computes.<br>