Chemically Mediated Artificial Neuron

Current brain-machine interface (BMI) mainly relies on electrophysiological signal for interpreting and transmitting neuronal information. In contrast, in biological systems, neurotransmitters are chemically-based inter-neuron messengers contributing to intelligent behaviors. This communication modality mismatch might lead to incomprehensive or even incorrect interpretation of neuronal information. Here, we report a chemically mediated artificial neuron that can receive and release the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) adaptively. The artificial neuron detects DA via a DA sensor, processes the sensory signals with synaptic plasticity using a memristor device, and stimulates the DA release through a heat-responsive hydrogel. The system responds to DA exocytosis from rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and releases DA to activate PC12 cells, forming a chemical communication loop like interneurons. Moreover, the artificial neuron enables DA to trigger the controllable movement of a mouse leg, transmitting information to an afferent nerve. Such an artificial neuron, when benchmarked against an electrically-mediated artificial neuron, enables the chemical BMI using neurotransmitters as interfacial messengers. This paves the way for neuron rehabilitation, cyborg construction, and consciousness control.