Neuron-semiconductor chip with chemical synapse between identified neurons

Phys Rev Lett. 2004 Jan 23;92(3):038102. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.038102. Epub 2004 Jan 23.

Abstract

Noninvasive electrical stimulation and recording of neuronal networks from semiconductor chips is a prerequisite for the development of neuroelectronic devices. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we implemented the fundamental element of such future hybrids by joining a silicon chip with an excitatory chemical synapse between a pair of identified neurons from the pond snail. We stimulated the presynaptic cell (VD4) with a chip capacitor and recorded the activity of the postsynaptic cell (LPeD1) with a transistor. We enhanced the strength of the soma-soma synapse by repetitive capacitor stimulation, establishing a neuronal memory on the silicon chip.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cholinergic Fibers / physiology
  • Lymnaea / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Semiconductors*
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission