A Collaborative Medical Image Encryption Scheme of DNA Coding, Block Cellular Automata, and Memristive Hyperchaos

LUO Min; WANG Shitao; LI Zihan; QIU Da; LIU Song

doi:10.11999/JEIT260558

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Journal of Electronics & Information Technology > 2026 >

LUO Min, WANG Shitao, LI Zihan, QIU Da, LIU Song. A Collaborative Medical Image Encryption Scheme of DNA Coding, Block Cellular Automata, and Memristive Hyperchaos[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology. doi: 10.11999/JEIT260558

Citation:

LUO Min, WANG Shitao, LI Zihan, QIU Da, LIU Song. A Collaborative Medical Image Encryption Scheme of DNA Coding, Block Cellular Automata, and Memristive Hyperchaos[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology. doi: 10.11999/JEIT260558

Citation:

PDF( 6607 KB)

A Collaborative Medical Image Encryption Scheme of DNA Coding, Block Cellular Automata, and Memristive Hyperchaos

doi: 10.11999/JEIT260558 cstr: 32379.14.JEIT260558

College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China

Funds: Hubei Natural Science Joint Fund (2026AFC0242), The Fund of China University Research Innovation (No.2024IT155).

Received Date: 2026-05-06
Accepted Date: 2026-08-26
Rev Recd Date: 2026-08-26

Available Online: 2026-10-20

Abstract

Abstract

Objective To address the privacy leakage risks of medical images during transmission and storage, and to overcome the shortcomings of existing encryption methods (such as insufficient cropping resistance of cellular automata and limited key space of low-dimensional chaotic systems), this study constructs a medical image encryption scheme based on a five-dimensional hyperchaotic system. The proposed scheme adopts a "scrambling-diffusion-scrambling-diffusion" encryption framework and performs block processing on cellular automata to enhance the security and robustness of the encryption algorithm, thereby providing technical support for data protection in smart healthcare scenarios. Methods First, a magnetron memristor is introduced into the classical Chen chaotic system to construct a five-dimensional dual-memristive hidden hyperchaotic system, and its dynamical behavior is verified through Lyapunov exponent spectra, bifurcation diagrams, and phase space trajectory analysis. Second, based on this system, a "scrambling-diffusion-scrambling-diffusion" encryption framework is designed: the SHA-256 hash algorithm combined with preset key parameters is used to generate the initial values of the chaotic system; global scrambling and block cat mapping are employed to achieve the first round of pixel position scrambling; DNA encoding, operation, and decoding, together with a block cellular automata diffusion mechanism, are used to perform the first round of pixel value transformation; then, block affine transformation is applied for the second round of pixel position scrambling, and diffusion based on the finite field GF(257) is used for the second round of pixel value transformation. Finally, the security performance of the algorithm is evaluated through multiple metrics, including information entropy, chi-square test, correlation analysis, key sensitivity analysis, differential attack resistance testing, as well as cropping and noise attack tests. Results and Discussions Analysis shows that the proposed five-dimensional dual-memristive system exhibits two positive Lyapunov exponents, demonstrating typical hyperchaotic behavior. The encryption algorithm designed based on this system achieves a key space of 2¹⁴⁹⁵ and is highly sensitive to tiny key perturbations (NPCR of 99.612% and UACI of 33.475% under a 10^–15 perturbation), enabling it to effectively resist brute-force. Meanwhile, the average information entropy (7.99933), average chi-square value (246.2866), and adjacent pixel correlation coefficients (close to 0) of the ciphertext images indicate that the statistical features have been concealed, allowing resistance against statistical attacks. Furthermore, the algorithm possesses outstanding differential attack resistance (average NPCR: 99.6096%, average UACI: 33.479%) along with good robustness against cropping and noise. Conclusions Based on a five-dimensional hyperchaotic system, we construct a medical image encryption scheme that integrates DNA coding and block cellular automata under a dual scrambling-diffusion architecture, and verify its security performance against statistical attacks, differential attacks, cropping, and noise. This study provides a reference for the application of high-dimensional hyperchaos in medical image encryption, and provides practical cases for enhancing the resistance of cellular automata against cropping and noise attacks.
- Memristive hyperchaotic system,
- Block cellular automata,
- DNA computing,
- Medical image encryption

FullText(HTML)

References(28)

References

[1]	ZHANG Wei, XUAN Jingwen, CAI Mingxuan, et al. Impact of patient engagement types on doctors’ service provision in online health communities[J]. Patient Education and Counseling, 2025, 134: 108700. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108700.
[2]	WANG Hongyang, JIN Jian, LI Li, et al. Driving online healthcare growth amid the digital divide: How trust in professional signals from doctor biographies shapes patient decisions[J]. Healthcare, 2025, 13(12): 1418. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13121418.
[3]	HAMILTON D, KOHLI S S, MCBETH P, et al. Low earth orbit communication satellites: A positively disruptive technology that could change the delivery of health care in rural and northern Canada[J]. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2025, 27: e46113. doi: 10.2196/46113.
[4]	LUO Min, WANG Pingli, QIU Da, et al. Analysis and application of conditionally symmetric memristive chaotic systems with attractor growth phenomena[J]. Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, 2025, 200: 117027. doi: 10.1016/j.chaos.2025.117027.
[5]	ABD EL-AZIEM A H, MOHAMED M H, and ABDELHAFEEZ A. High-security image encryption using baker map confusion and extended PWAM chaotic diffusion[J]. Computers, 2026, 15(2): 106. doi: 10.3390/computers15020106.
[6]	LAI Qiang, WANG Huangtao, ZHAO Xiaowen, et al. Shuffle medical image encryption scheme based on 4D memristive hyperchaotic map[J]. Nonlinear Dynamics, 2025, 113(10): 12289–12307. doi: 10.1007/s11071-024-10692-x.
[7]	刘嵩, 李子涵, 邱达, 等. 可控多双涡卷忆阻Hopfield神经网络建模及其动力学分析[J]. 电子与信息学报, 2026, 48(1): 417–428. doi: 10.11999/JEIT250972. LIU Song, LI Zihan, QIU Da, et al. Modeling and dynamic analysis of controllable multi-double scroll Memristor Hopfield neural network[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology, 2026, 48(1): 417–428. doi: 10.11999/JEIT250972.
[8]	蔺海荣, 段晨星, 邓晓衡, 等. 双忆阻类脑混沌神经网络及其在IoMT数据隐私保护中应用[J]. 电子与信息学报, 2025, 47(7): 2194–2210. doi: 10.11999/JEIT241133. LIN Hairong, DUAN Chenxing, DENG Xiaoheng, et al. Dual-Memristor brain-like chaotic neural network and its application in IoMT data privacy protection[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology, 2025, 47(7): 2194–2210. doi: 10.11999/JEIT241133.
[9]	安新磊, 李治甫, 薛睿, 等. 多涡卷保守混沌系统的构建及在图像加密中的应用[J]. 电子与信息学报, 2025, 47(11): 4470–4481. doi: 10.11999/JEIT250432. AN Xinlei, LI Zhifu, XUE Rui et al. Construction of multi-Scroll conservative chaotic system and its application in image encryption[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology, 2025, 47(11): 4470–4481. doi: 10.11999/JEIT250432.
[10]	BENKOUIDER K, MAHDAL M, VAIDYANATHAN S, et al. FPGA implementation and voice encryption application of a new hyperchaotic system with high complexity[J]. Scientific Reports, 2026, 16(1): 4485. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-34605-z.
[11]	YANG Ningning, ZHANG Tian, WU Chaojun, et al. Modeling and dynamic analysis of a novel Four-Wing Memristive Hyperchaotic system and its application in secure communication[J]. International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos, 2026, 36(3): 2650031. doi: 10.1142/S0218127426500318.
[12]	孙绍泽, 李锦屏, 李新颖. 基于广义忆阻器的Lü超混沌系统分析及其应用[J]. 兰州大学学报(自然科学版), 2023, 59(3): 387–397. doi: 10.13885/j.issn.0455-2059.2023.03.014. SUN Shaoze, LI Jinping, and LI Xinying. Analysis and application of the Lü hyperchaotic system based on generalized memristor[J]. Journal of Lanzhou University (Natural Sciences), 2023, 59(3): 387–397. doi: 10.13885/j.issn.0455-2059.2023.03.014.
[13]	GAO Yuhui, LIU Jingyi, ZHANG Bo, et al. Image encryption algorithm based on four-dimensional memristor hyperchaotic system and parallel compressive sensing[J]. Nonlinear Dynamics, 2024, 112(22): 20381–20400. doi: 10.1007/s11071-024-10054-7.
[14]	YU Fei, TAN Bohong, HE Ting, et al. A wide-range adjustable conservative memristive hyperchaotic system with transient quasi-periodic characteristics and encryption application[J]. Mathematics, 2025, 13(5): 726. doi: 10.3390/math13050726.
[15]	CHONG Zhenglong, WANG Cong, ZHANG Hongli, et al. Image encryption algorithm based on a hybrid model of novel memristive hyperchaotic systems, DNA coding, and hash functions[J]. Complex System Modeling and Simulation, 2024, 4(3): 303–319. doi: 10.23919/CSMS.2024.0015.
[16]	SUBATHRA S and THANIKAISELVAN V. Enhanced security for medical images using a new 5D hyper chaotic map and deep learning based segmentation[J]. Scientific Reports, 2025, 15(1): 22628. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-04906-4.
[17]	BENYAHIA K, KHOBZAOUI A, and BENBAKRETI S. Hybrid image encryption: Leveraging DNA sequencing and Lorenz chaotic dynamics for enhanced security[J]. Cluster Computing, 2025, 28(4): 218. doi: 10.1007/s10586-024-04948-9.
[18]	WANG Xuedong, LIU Xingbin, and PENG Junwei. A novel image encryption scheme based on a 3D enhanced chaotic map and DNA computing model[J]. Journal of the Franklin Institute, 2025, 362(11): 107790. doi: 10.1016/j.jfranklin.2025.107790.
[19]	HUANG Li, DING Cong, BAO Zhenjie, et al. A DNA encoding image encryption algorithm based on chaos[J]. Mathematics, 2025, 13(8): 1330. doi: 10.3390/math13081330.
[20]	SUN Shiji, YANG Wenzhong, YIN Yabo, et al. A color image encryption scheme utilizing a logistic-sine chaotic map and cellular automata[J]. Scientific Reports, 2025, 15(1): 21603. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-04968-4.
[21]	ABDUL Y, RAMASAMY V, KUKARAM G, et al. A dynamic image encryption scheme through 2-D cellular automata and chaotic logistic map[J]. Scientific Reports, 2025, 15(1): 36116. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-21225-w.
[22]	CHEN Guanrong and UETA T. Yet another chaotic attractor[J]. International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos, 1999, 9(7): 1465–1466. doi: 10.1142/S0218127499001024.
[23]	CHEN Mo, REN Xue, WU Huagan, et al. Periodically varied initial offset boosting behaviors in a memristive system with cosine memductance[J]. Frontiers of Information Technology & Electronic Engineering, 2019, 20(12): 1706–1716. doi: 10.1631/FITEE.1900360.
[24]	CHAI Xiuli, FU Xianglong, GAN Zhihua, et al. A color image cryptosystem based on dynamic DNA encryption and chaos[J]. Signal Processing, 2019, 155: 44–62. doi: 10.1016/j.sigpro.2018.09.029.
[25]	AN Tingyu, GAO Tao, CHEN Ting, et al. Traffic image encryption based on activation function-type chaotic map and reversible cellular automaton[J]. Expert Systems with Applications, 2025, 269: 126407. doi: 10.1016/j.eswa.2025.126407.
[26]	YOUSIF S F, ABBOUD A J, and ALHUMAIMA R S. A new image encryption based on bit replacing, chaos and DNA coding techniques[J]. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 2022, 81(19): 27453–27493. doi: 10.1007/s11042-022-12762-x.
[27]	GAO Mengli, LI Jingqing, DI Xiaoqiag, et al. A blind signature scheme for IoV based on 2D-SCML image encryption and lattice cipher[J]. Expert Systems with Applications, 2024, 246: 123215. doi: 10.1016/j.eswa.2024.123215.
[28]	LAI Qiang and HUA Hanqiang. Secure medical image encryption scheme for Healthcare IoT using novel hyperchaotic map and DNA cubes[J]. Expert Systems with Applications, 2025, 264: 125854. doi: 10.1016/j.eswa.2024.125854.