Fu, S., Gao, H., et al. (2025).
Nature Communications, 16(1).
Abstract
The efficient signal processing in biosystems is largely attributed to the powerful constituent unit of a neuron, which encodes and decodes spatiotemporal information using spiking action potentials of ultralow amplitude and energy. Constructing devices that can emulate neuronal functions is thus considered a promising step toward advancing neuromorphic electronics and enhancing signal flow in bioelectronic interfaces. However, existent artificial neurons often have functional parameters that are distinctly mismatched with their biological counterparts, including signal amplitude and energy levels that are typically an order of magnitude larger. Here, we demonstrate artificial neurons that not only closely emulate biological neurons in functions but also match their parameters in key aspects such as signal amplitude, spiking energy, temporal features, and frequency response. Moreover, these artificial neurons can be modulated by extracellular chemical species in a manner consistent with neuromodulation in biological neurons. We further show that an artificial neuron can connect to a biological cell to process cellular signals in real-time and interpret cell states. These results advance the potential for constructing bio-emulated electronics to improve bioelectronic interface and neuromorphic integration.
Here are some thoughts:
This research marks a significant advancement in neuromorphic engineering by creating artificial neurons that closely emulate biological ones not just in function, but in their core physical parameters. Crucially for psychological science, these neurons can be chemically modulated, with their firing rate changing in response to neurotransmitters like dopamine, replicating key neuromodulatory dynamics. They also exhibit biologically realistic stochasticity and can interface with living cells in real-time, successfully interpreting cellular states. This breakthrough paves the way for more seamless and adaptive bioelectronic interfaces, offering potential for future prosthetics and neural models that more authentically replicate the neurochemical and dynamic complexity underlying behavior and cognition.
