A functional assembly framework based on implementable neurobionic material

Clin Transl Med. 2021 Jan;11(1):e277. doi: 10.1002/ctm2.277.

Abstract

Neurobionic material is an emerging field in material and translational science. For material design, much focus has already been transferred from von Neumann architecture to the neuromorphic framework. As it is impractical to reconstruct the real neural tissue solely from materials, it is necessary to develop a feasible neurobionics framework to realize advanced brain function. In this study, we proposed a mathematical neurobionic material model, and attempted to explore advanced function only by simple and feasible structures. Here an equivalent simplified framework was used to describe the dynamics expressed in an equation set, while in vivo study was performed to verify simulation results. In neural tissue, the output of neurobionic material was characterized by spike frequency, and the stability is based on the excitatory/inhibitory proportion. Spike frequency in mathematical neurobionic material model can spontaneously meet the solution of a nonlinear equation set. Assembly can also evolve into a certain distribution under different stimulations, closely related to decision making. Short-term memory can be formed by coupling neurobionic material assemblies. In vivo experiments further confirmed predictions in our mathematical neurobionic material model. The property of this neural biomimetic material model demonstrates its intrinsic neuromorphic computational ability, which should offer promises for implementable neurobionic device design.

Keywords: decision making; implementable device; neurobionic material; short-term memory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetics / methods*
  • Bionics / methods*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Electroencephalography
  • Male
  • Models, Animal
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Neural Networks, Computer
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley