Can organic electronics be used to mimic biological processes like sensory systems? This is what a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences hopes to address as a team of researchers and engineers have developed organic neurons that could mimic the same patterns as human neurons. This study has the potential to enhance numerous scientific disciplines and technologies, including health care, bioelectronics, organic chemistry, and intelligent robotics.
For the study, the researchers developed a new high-performance organic electrochemical neuron that mimics human neurons while also using organic materials and artificial synapses to design and construct a perception system capable of receiving the same perception signals as human touch. It is hypothesized that these systems can enhance intelligent robots and other systems that currently lack the level of sensing systems like humans. While this device doesn’t fully encompass human sensing systems, it nonetheless opens the door for developing more efficient sensing systems that could enhance numerous technologies, specifically intelligent robots.
“The study highlights significant progress in organic electronics and their application in bridging the gap between biology and technology,” said Dr. Yao Yao, who is a research assistant professor at Northwestern University and lead author of the study. “We created an efficient artificial neuron with reduced footprint and outstanding neuronal characteristics. Leveraging this capability, we developed a complete tactile neuromorphic perception system to mimic real biological processes.”
Going forward, the team aspires to decrease the size of the device with the long-term goal of developing a full-fledged human sensory system built with organic components.
How will these organic neurons contribute to society in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, EurekAlert!