Artificial and living neurons integrated by UNN scientists
Researchers from the Neurotechnology Department at the Institute of Biology and Biomedicine of Lobachevsky University were among the first in the world to determine the parameters under which a living neural network and a source of neuron-like signals function as a single unit, with brain cells controlling the activity of an artificial neuron.
Scientists connected a generator of artificial nerve impulses to a fragment of the mouse hippocampus - a brain structure responsible for learning, spatial orientation and memory. The circuit reproduced signals that mimicked brain activity. These signals stimulated living neurons, which sent a response signal. The generator switched from an excitable state to an oscillatory mode and started working as an extension of the hippocampus.
"This technology will help to create neuroprosthetic devices for replacing damaged parts of the brain, it is an important step towards neurohybrid technologies. By replacing a damaged section of the hippocampus with electronic neurons, it will be possible not only to restore brain activity in case of injuries, but also to improve memory and stimulate the ability to learn," said Albina Lebedeva, project leader and associate professor at the UNN Neurotechnology Department.
Professor Alexander Pisarchik of the Polytechnic University of Madrid was the scientific advisor of the project.
"Researchers at Lobachevsky University in cooperation with the Polytechnic University of Madrid have managed to achieve a real scientific breakthrough. The new technology opens up a wide range of possibilities in the field of neuromorphic applications: from the development of smart and adaptive robots to the creation of revolutionary medical devices for the treatment of neurological diseases," Alexander Pisarchik commented on the project.
According to the scientists, the results of their research could be used in the future to normalise brain function in patients with epilepsy.
"If the experiment succeeds in suppressing abnormal bursts of activity of hippocampal neurons by using pulse generators, it will open the way to the creation of neuroprosthetic devices for the treatment of epileptic patients," Albina Lebedeva said.
Currently, UNN scientists are simultaneously developing several types of neuromorphic devices to replace damaged parts of the brain. One of the promising lines of research involves the development of neuroprosthetic devices based on memristors, special microelectronic elements, which are now called "artificial synapses". They can be used to mimic the synaptic plasticity of the human brain in a neuromorphic device, thereby making the neuroprosthesis adaptive and retrainable.
The research is performed within the framework of the Priority 2030 federal programme and with grant support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
The results were published in the journal Sensors in 2023.
