Coupling of two live neurons in brain slices via organic memristive devices

The research can help in future brain-computer interfaces.

Leading Research Associate of Kazan Federal University's Neurobiology Lab Rustem Khazipovcomments, "In our brain, neurons are connected via synapses, and strengthening of synapse connections lays the basis for memory and learning. In this work, we established artificial ties between neurons through organic memristors; they were used for electric connection of two neurons in brain cortex slices. It was shown that this connection demonstrates memory properties – it can change its resistance depending on neuron activity."

The memristive elements are a joint effort by Kazan University's Electronic Synapse Lab and the University of Parma under Professor Viktor Erokhin's guidance. According to Dr. Khazipov, these "artificial synapses" are realistic models of natural synapses which provide neuron communications.

"This research is a foundation for future hybrid neuronal networks consisting of natural neurons and artificial synapses. Further down the road, more complex systems with more neurons can, for example, learn to solve logic puzzles. It will be a sort of a hybrid computer capable of solving information tasks," he adds.

Such a technology may help arrange communications between neurons and external devices. As Dr. Khazipov concludes, memristive elements were produced by the Italian side, and Kazan University was in charge of neuron connections.
Source text: https://tass.ru/nauka/6052357

More information:
Coupling Cortical Neurons through Electronic Memristive Synapse
doi.org/10.1002/admt.201800350
Elvira Juzekaeva, Azat Nasretdinov, Silvia Battistoni, Tatiana Berzina, Salvatore Iannotta, Rustem Khazipov, Victor Erokhin, Marat Mukhtarov

Provided by Kazan Federal University