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Constructing artificial neurons with functional parameters comprehensively matching biological values

Author

Listed:
  • Shuai Fu

    (University of Massachusetts)

  • Hongyan Gao

    (University of Massachusetts)

  • Siqi Wang

    (University of Massachusetts)

  • Xiaoyu Wang

    (University of Massachusetts)

  • Trevor Woodard

    (University of Massachusetts)

  • Zhien Wang

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Jing Kong

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Derek R. Lovley

    (University of Massachusetts
    University of Massachusetts)

  • Jun Yao

    (University of Massachusetts
    University of Massachusetts
    University of Massachusetts)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuai Fu & Hongyan Gao & Siqi Wang & Xiaoyu Wang & Trevor Woodard & Zhien Wang & Jing Kong & Derek R. Lovley & Jun Yao, 2025. "Constructing artificial neurons with functional parameters comprehensively matching biological values," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63640-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63640-7
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